Government Policies & Interventions
Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
31-10-2025
Source: BS
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has returned Jana Small Finance Bank’s (SFB) application for transition into a universal bank, citing non-fulfilment of eligibility criteria outlined under its 2024 guidelines for SFBs.
What is a Small Finance Bank?
- About: SFBs are private institutions created to enhance financial inclusion in India. They offer basic banking facilities, including deposits and credit, to unserved and underserved groups like small farmers, micro industries, and informal sector enterprises.
- Origin: Announced in Union Budget 2014–15 to boost financial inclusion, the idea stems from the 2009 Raghuram Rajan Committee’s A Hundred Small Steps report.
- Eligibility Criteria: Resident individuals/professionals with 10 years of experience in banking and finance.
- Capital Requirements: For Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks transiting into SFBs, initial requirement of net worth shall be ₹100 crore, which will have to be increased to ₹200 crore.
- Minimum paid-up voting equity capital / net worth requirement shall be ₹200 crore.
- Promoter’s initial contribution: 40%, to be reduced to 26% within 12 years.
- Foreign investment permitted as in other private sector banks.
- Regulatory and Prudential Norms: SFBs are full-fledged banks, unlike Payments Banks, and follow RBI’s prudential norms such as CRR and SLR maintenance.
- Regulated under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and supervised by the RBI.
- Operational Mandates: Must allocate 75% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to Priority Sector Lending (PSL).
- At least 50% of loans should be of value up to Rs 25 lakh.
- No geographical restrictions, but 25% of branches must be in unbanked rural centres.
- Preference to banks setting up in under-banked states/districts.
- Permissible Activities: It can distribute mutual fund units, insurance, and pension products with RBI and sectoral regulator approval.
- May become a Category II Authorised Dealer in foreign exchange.
- Cannot establish subsidiaries for non-banking financial activities.
RBI's 2024 Guidelines for Converting SFBs into Universal Banks
- Eligible Applicants: Only listed Small Finance Banks (SFBs) are eligible to apply for conversion into a Universal Bank.
- Financial Requirements: Must have a minimum net worth of Rs 1,000 crore, scheduled bank status, and a profitable operational record for at least five years.
- Asset Quality Criteria: Must maintain gross NPAs below 3% and net NPAs below 1% consistently for the previous two years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Small Finance Bank?
SFBs are private institutions created to enhance financial inclusion in India. They offer basic banking facilities, including deposits and credit, to unserved and underserved groups like small farmers, micro industries, and informal sector enterprises.
2. When were SFBs introduced and under whose recommendation?
Introduced in Union Budget 2014–15, based on the 2009 Raghuram Rajan Committee Report – “A Hundred Small Steps.”
3. What are the key eligibility criteria for an SFB to convert into a universal bank as per RBI's 2024 guidelines?
The SFB must be listed, have a minimum net worth of ₹1,000 crore, a profitable track record of 5 years, and maintain gross NPAs <3% and net NPAs <1% for two consecutive years.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. What is the purpose of setting up of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India? (2017)
- To supply credit to small business units
- To supply credit to small and marginal farmers
- To encourage young entrepreneurs to set up business particularly in rural areas.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Supreme Court Stays UGC's 2026 Regulations
31-01-2026
Source: TH
The Supreme Court (SC) has issued an interim stay on the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, citing concerns of potential division of society and undermining campus unity.
- Judicial Intervention: Since the 2012 Regulations had been repealed, the Court, exercising its powers under Article 142, directed that the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012 would continue to apply until further orders.
- Background & Context: The 2026 Regulations were formulated in response to the ongoing case Abeda Salim Tadvi v. Union of India (2019), which seeks to establish a mechanism to end caste-based discrimination on campuses.
- Key Legal & Definitional Challenges to 2026 Regulations: The petitions specifically challenged Section 3(1)(c), which exclusively defines discrimination against SC, ST, and OBC members, thereby excluding the general category.
- The bench questioned the necessity of this narrow provision, as Section 3(1)(e) already provides a broader, inclusive definition of discrimination based on religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, or disability.
- The SC raised questions on whether the UGC 2026 Regulations adequately cover harassment on regional lines, intra-caste harassment by economically privileged individuals, and incidents of ragging. Moreover, the Regulations contain no mechanism to penalize false complaints.
- Core Judicial Concerns: The SC invoked the "principle of no-regression" from environmental and social justice law, questioning why the 2026 rules were less inclusive than the 2012 version.
- The bench examined the regulation through the lens of Article 15(4) that enables the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including SCs and STs.
Indi and Puliyankudi Limes
30-10-2025
Source: PIB
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi Lime (Karnataka) and Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu) to the United Kingdom.
- This shipment marks a key step in APEDA’s push to boost global recognition of India’s GI-tagged produce, benefiting farmers and strengthening market linkages.
Indi Lime (Vijayapura)
- About: The Indi Lime is the 2nd lime variety after the Assam Lime to receive the prestigious GI recognition. It got the GI tag in 2023.
- Production Hub: Grown mainly in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district, it is prized for its quality, zesty aroma, high juice yield, and culinary and medicinal value, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage.
- Vijayapura district contributes nearly 58% of Karnataka’s total lime production. Karnataka itself ranks 4th among Indian states in lime cultivation.
Puliyankudi Lime
- About: Puliyankudi Lime (from Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu), also called Kadayam variety, features thin peel, strong acidity, and high vitamin C content with about 55% juice yield.
- GI Tag: The Puliyankudi Lime received its GI tag in April 2025, recognizing its distinct nutritional and regional attributes.
World Food India 2025
30-09-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
World Food India 2025, India’s flagship food processing event, aims to position India as a ‘Global Food Hub’. The event concluded with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth over Rs 1 lakh crore, highlighting investments, innovations, and employment generation across multiple states.
World Food India
- WFI, conceptualized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), is India’s flagship food processing event. Since its first edition in 2017, followed by the 2nd in 2023, 3rd in 2024, and now the 4th edition in 2025.
- It has grown to showcase India as the “Food Basket of the World,” promoting investment, enhancing farm-to-fork linkages, encouraging sustainable food systems, and highlighting India’s diverse food culture.

What is the Landscape of the Food Processing Sector in India?
- Food Processing: It involves methods to transform raw agricultural, animal, or fish products into edible, commercially valuable finished or semi-finished products, altering their original physical properties.
- Levels of Processing:
- Primary processing: Basic cleaning, grading, and packaging of agricultural products.
- Secondary processing: Converting ingredients into edible products (e.g., milling wheat into flour).
- Tertiary processing: Creating ready-to-eat foods (e.g., baking bread from flour).
- Growth of India’s Food Processing Industry: India is largest producer of milk, onions and pulses, Second largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, tea, fruits & vegetables and eggs.
- India’s agricultural and processed food exports reached USD 49.4 billion in 2024–25, with processed foods contributing 20.4% (up from 13.7% in 2014–15). The sector employs 2.23 million in registered units and 4.68 million in unregistered ones.
- Registered food business operators rose from 25 lakh to 64 lakh, supported by 24 mega food parks.
- Operation Greens and 225 Research and Development projects added 20 patents and 52 commercialized technologies.
- India’s Initiatives:
What are the Opportunities and Challenges in the Food Processing Sector in India?
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Opportunities
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Challenges
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- Expanding Market: The food processing sector is growing rapidly, valued at USD 336 billion in 2023 and projected to double by 2032.
- This expansion creates jobs, adds value to agriculture, and strengthens India’s GDP.
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- Infrastructure Gaps and Post-Harvest Losses: India lacks adequate cold chains, storage, and transport facilities, leading to nearly 30% food wastage and annual post-harvest losses of around Rs. 90,000 crore.
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- Urbanisation: Rising urban population and busier lifestyles are pushing demand for ready-to-eat, packaged, and convenience foods, expected to cross Rs. 12 lakh crore by 2025. This opens scope for product diversification and new brands.
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- Technology and Finance Barriers for SMEs: Small and medium enterprises struggle with high costs of modern machinery and limited access to credit.
- This reduces their productivity and weakens competitiveness against large firms.
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- Health, Wellness, and Organic Foods: Sustainability is driving demand for organic and plant-based products. The organic market is projected to reach Rs. 75,000 crore by 2025, with consumers increasingly willing to pay a premium.
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- Health, Wellness, and Organic Foods: Sustainability is driving demand for organic and plant-based products. The organic market is projected to reach Rs. 75,000 crore by 2025, with consumers increasingly willing to pay a premium.
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- Technology and Innovation: Adoption of automation, AI, robotics, and smart packaging is transforming efficiency and quality.
- The Indian food tech market is expected to touch USD 30 billion by 2024, boosting competitiveness globally.
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- Technology and Innovation: Adoption of automation, AI, robotics, and smart packaging is transforming efficiency and quality.
- The Indian food tech market is expected to touch USD 30 billion by 2024, boosting competitiveness globally.
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- MSMEs and Rural Employment: With 63 million MSMEs contributing to 30% of GDP, schemes like PMFME promote local entrepreneurship.
- This helps farmers move up the value chain and supports rural livelihoods.
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- MSMEs and Rural Employment: With 63 million MSMEs contributing to 30% of GDP, schemes like PMFME promote local entrepreneurship.
- This helps farmers move up the value chain and supports rural livelihoods.
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What Measures can Strengthen India’s Food Processing Sector?
- Cluster Development: Set up integrated food processing zones near farm hubs with shared infrastructure (cold storage, labs, effluent plants), ancillary industries (packaging, logistics), and seamless transport links to cut costs and boost rural–urban balance.
- Tech-Driven Supply Chain: Use blockchain for traceability, IoT for real-time monitoring, AI for demand forecasting, and drones/satellite imaging for crop assessment to cut wastage and improve efficiency.
- Financial Reforms: Create sector-specific credit schemes aligned with crop cycles, a credit guarantee fund for SMEs, and tax incentives to attract private equity and venture capital in food-tech.
- Quality Standards: Harmonize Indian norms with global benchmarks (Codex), introduce tiered certifications with market benefits, deploy mobile testing labs, and link quality-based pricing to National Agriculture Market (eNAM).
- Regulatory Simplification: Establish a single-window clearance and unified digital platform to cut delays and reduce compliance costs.
- Export Ecosystem: Develop export-specific zones with plug-and-play facilities, country-focused strategies, and a real-time market intelligence system; fully utilize PLISFPI funds to attract global majors.
- R&D Boost: Set up Food Innovation Labs, give weighted tax breaks for R&D, and build a national database of traditional food processing techniques for scaling up.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. The Indian food processing sector is expanding rapidly, yet its share in global processed food exports remains low. Analyse the reasons and suggest policy measures.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is World Food India (WFI) 2025?
Ans: It is MoFPI’s flagship event to project India as a Global Food Hub, attracting ₹1 lakh+ crore investments and showcasing farm-to-fork linkages.
2. Why is the food processing sector significant for India?
Ans: It ensures food security, value addition, rural employment, MSME growth, and boosts exports (USD 49.4 bn in 2024–25).
3. Which key government schemes promote food processing?
Ans: PLISFPI, PLISMBP, PMKSY, PMFME, 100% FDI in food processing, and Mega Food Parks.
4. What are the main challenges in India’s food processing industry?
Ans: Post-harvest losses (~₹90,000 crore), infrastructure gaps, credit barriers for SMEs, and low global competitiveness.
5. What measures can strengthen the sector?
Ans: Cluster-based zones, tech-driven supply chains (AI, IoT, blockchain), credit reforms, Codex-aligned quality standards, single-window clearances, and R&D boost.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With what purpose is the Government of India promoting the concept of “Mega Food Parks”? (2011)
- To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry.
- To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage.
- To provide emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies to entrepreneurs.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country? How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (2020)
Q.What are the reasons for the poor acceptance of a cost-effective small processing unit? How can the food processing unit be helpful to uplift the socioeconomic status of poor farmers? (2017)
Crowd Management in India
30-09-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
A campaign rally for a Tamil actor-turned-politician in Karur, Tamil Nadu turned tragic, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
What is a Stampede?
- About: A stampede is a sudden, uncontrolled rush of people or animals, usually triggered by panic, fear, or excitement, occurring in crowded areas and often causing chaos and casualties.
- Stampede Incidence: The NCRB report ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India’ states that from 2000 to 2022, 3,074 lives were lost in stampedes, with nearly 4,000 stampede incidents recorded over the past three decades.
- Cause of Death: A major cause of stampede deaths is the “black hole effect.” In dense crowds, physical forces create unpredictable "force chains" between bodies, so if one person falls, it creates a void, causing others to lose balance and fall.
- This domino effect leads to a pile-up, where people suffer compressive asphyxia under the weight of others.
- During a stampede, crushing pressure on the chest prevents proper lung movement, causing hypoxia (low oxygen) and hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide), both life-threatening.
What are the Key Causes and Impact of Stampedes in India?
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Causes
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Impacts
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Immediate Triggers (rumors, sudden obstructions)
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Stampedes result in sudden fatalities, severe injuries, and psychological trauma, while also generating grief and anger.
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Systemic Failures (underestimating crowd size, poor crowd control, lack of preparedness)
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These failures erode public trust in authorities, invite repeated scrutiny of safety protocols, and make it harder to implement sustainable reforms.
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Behavioral Factors (panic spread, disregard for norms, star power, political influence)
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Behavioral triggers cause uncontrolled crowd movement leading to trampling deaths, spark social unrest, and stigmatize mass gatherings or festivals.
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Poor Infrastructure (narrow paths, blocked exits, slippery floors)
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Increases the risk of falls and chain-reaction stampedes, causes critical injuries, and leads to economic losses as public participation in events declines.
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Fatal Stampede Incidence in India
- Bengaluru (2025): During the victory celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s, a massive crowd near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru triggered a stampede, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
- Prayagraj (2025): A deadly stampede broke out during the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, leaving several dead and injured as millions of devotees thronged for the ritual bath.
- Tirupati (2025): A tragic stampede occurred at the token issuing counter in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the multiple deaths and injuries.
- Hathras (2024): At least 121 people, mostly women and children, died in a stampede during a religious event in Uttar Pradesh.
- Mumbai Pedestrian Bridge (2017): 22 people were killed in a stampede during rush hour.

What are the Key Recommendations of NDMA for Crowd Management?
- Pre-Event Planning: Crowd estimation and capacity planning, safe site selection and layout design, and clear route planning with unobstructed entry, exit, and movement paths are essential to prevent stampedes.
- Structural Safety: Install barriers and railings in zig-zag queues, provide for virtual queue and approximate waiting time, ensure safe entry and exit points with outward-opening wide exits, and maintain effective communication systems and mobile connectivity to manage crowds.
- On-Ground Management: Implement crowd control and segregation with barricades, manage traffic and parking safely, use real-time crowd monitoring with CCTV and analytics.
- Building Awareness: Promote public awareness of risks and safe behavior, conduct training and drills for all agencies, and provide clear detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for event management stakeholders.
- Emergency Response: Provide on-site medical aid, deploy Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) for emergencies, and establish a clear Incident Command System for swift decision-making.
Global Best Practices in Crowd Management
- Saudi Arabia: After Hajj stampede, authorities used crowd simulations, restricted entry timings, and improved route planning.
- United Kingdom: In the UK, Wembley Stadium, London has been designed with multiple exits and advanced evacuation systems to handle 90,000 people safely.
- South Korea: In response to the Halloween stampede 2022, South Korea has deployed an advanced CCTV-based AI system to monitor crowd density in real time and provide timely warnings.
- Japan: Japan has implemented timed tickets and staggered entry measures to prevent sudden crowding.

How can Stampedes be Prevented in India?
- ICT Based Management: Use AI-powered density analytics with CCTV, drone-based aerial surveillance, and mobile network & Wi-Fi heat mapping to monitor crowd size, flow, and bottlenecks in real-time for pre-emptive intervention.
- Managing Human Behavior: Use visual and sound cues to calm crowds, train staff in crowd whispering to reduce tension, and provide safe spaces and pressure-release paths for emergencies.
- Build a Culture of Safety: Launch public safe crowding campaigns with influential figures, enforce mandatory organizer certification on crowd management, and use crowd-sourced monitoring via hashtags or apps to report overcrowding.
- Strengthen Accountability Framework: Enact a Crowd Safety Act defining organizer liability, require independent safety auditors for large events, and implement a national stampede database to learn from past incidents.
Conclusion
Stampedes in India are caused by a mix of triggers, systemic failures, behavioral factors, and poor infrastructure, resulting in high human, social, and economic costs. Effective prevention requires NDMA-compliant planning, crowd management, technology use, public awareness, and accountability frameworks to safeguard lives and ensure safer mass gatherings.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Analyze the systemic and behavioral factors responsible for stampedes and suggest a multi-pronged strategy for ensuring safety at large public gatherings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a stampede?
Ans: A stampede is a sudden, uncontrolled rush of people, often triggered by panic, fear, causing compressive asphyxia, hypoxia, and multiple deaths.
What are the main causes of stampedes in India?
Ans: Stampedes arise from immediate triggers, systemic failures, behavioral factors and poor infrastructure.
What are some global best practices in crowd management?
Ans: Countries like Saudi Arabia, UK, South Korea, and Japan use crowd simulations, AI CCTV monitoring, timed tickets, staggered entry, and multiple exits for safe mass gatherings.
What strategies can India adopt to prevent stampedes?
Ans: India can implement ICT-based crowd monitoring (AI, drones, Wi-Fi heat maps), manage human behavior, build a culture of safety, and strengthen accountability through legislation.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q. Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (2020)
Provincial Citizenship
30-09-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The term “provincial citizenship” is gaining traction in academic and policy debates, especially in light of domicile policies in States like Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and Assam.
Its ascendancy signals a shift toward more exclusionary, nativist politics that may contest the constitutional ideal of a singular, equal Indian citizenship.
What is Provincial Citizenship?
- About: Provincial Citizenship is an unofficial, politically constructed notion of belonging to a specific Indian state. It emerges from nativist politics, tied to the idea of being “native,” “indigenous,” “local,” or “son of the soil.”
- It is not part of the Constitution, but is used in politics to give special rights to "locals". This challenges the constitutional guarantee of a singular Indian citizenship under Articles 5–11.
- Reasons Behind Rise in Provincial Citizenship Demand:
- Economic Competition: Locals fear that migrants take away jobs and access to resources. Provincial Citizenship offers recognition to historically excluded communities and counters demographic pressure from large-scale migration.
- Cultural Anxiety: Migration brings perceived threats to language, tradition, and cultural homogeneity.
- Provincial Citizenship aims to safeguard the culture, and land of indigenous groups.
- Political Vacuum: There is no central law to regulate State-level domicile rules or to ensure uniformity in domicile policies across States.
- Judicial and Policy Safeguards:
- Supreme Court Interventions:
- In Sunanda Reddy v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1995), the court struck down 100% reservation for domiciles in postgraduate medical courses, emphasizing that reservations should not compromise merit and efficiency.
- In Dr. Pradeep Jain v. Union of India (1984), the SC ruled that reservations based on place of birth or residence are prima facie unconstitutional under Article 16(2).
- States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) (1955): Noted that domicile exclusions erode national unity.
- The constitutional framework currently sees citizenship as singular and national, regulated by the Citizenship Act, with non‑discrimination and mobility guarantees in fundamental rights.
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Aspect
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National Citizenship
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Provincial Citizenship
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Legal Status
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Constitutionally defined under Articles 5–11
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Not legally recognized; a political and social construct
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Governing Law
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Citizenship Act, 1955
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No formal law; based on State-level political practices
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Scope
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Applies uniformly across India
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Applies within specific States
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Rights Guaranteed
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Equal rights to reside, work, and access public services
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Prioritizes locals; may restrict access for internal migrants
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Constitutional Backing
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Supported by fundamental rights (Art. 14, 15, 16, 19)
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Often contradicts fundamental rights.
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Basis of Identity
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Indian nationality
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State-level identity (e.g., local, native, son of the soil)
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Federalism Impact
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Strengthens integration through uniform citizenship
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Boosts State autonomy, but strains Centre-State balance
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What are the Concerns Associated with Provincial Citizenship in India?
- Fragmentation of Citizenship: Undermines the idea of one equal Indian citizenship by creating layered identities.
- Constitutional Tensions: As noted by SRC, 1955, domicile-based rules restrict jobs, education, and welfare, conflicting with Articles 14 (equality), 15 (no discrimination), 16 (equal opportunity in public employment), and 19 (freedom of movement and residence).
- Exclusion of Migrants: Internal migrants struggle to access jobs, housing, education, and welfare in host States.
- Rise of Nativist Politics: Encourages “sons of the soil” movements, outsider hostility, and regionalism.
- Judicial Burden: Courts face a flood of litigation over domicile and reservation policies, further burdening the already overburdened judiciary.
- Economic Slowdown: Restricting migrant labour reduces workforce mobility, affecting productivity and urban economies.
What Reforms are Needed to Balance State Autonomy with National Citizenship?
- Parliamentary Legislation on Domicile: SRC 1955 recommended that domicile rules should be replaced by appropriate Parliamentary legislation. This ensures States to not override fundamental rights or restrict core national citizenship entitlements.
- Strengthen Migrant Protections: Expand portability of welfare benefits beyond food (One Nation One Ration Card) to healthcare, education, housing, and employment.
- Ensure internal migrants enjoy equal rights irrespective of their State of residence through initiatives like e-Shram portal which enables social security for unorganised workers.
- Balanced Federalism: Allow States limited scope for residence-based benefits and prevent States from denying core rights under Articles 14, 15, 16, and 19.
- Election Commission Oversight: Regulate “sons of the soil” electoral campaigns to prevent xenophobic politics. Integrate inclusive safeguards into party recognition and funding rules.
- Public Awareness & Inclusion: Launch campaigns highlighting migrants’ contribution to urban economies.Counter xenophobia and promote social integration.
Conclusion
Provincial citizenship may serve local insecurities but risks fragmenting India’s unity, equality, and fraternity. Guided by the Constitution and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), India must reaffirm the principle of one nation, one citizenship, protecting diversity while ensuring inclusivity for all citizens, regardless of where they come from.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Evaluate the concept of provincial citizenship in India and discuss its implications for national unity and equality under the Constitution.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Provincial Citizenship?
Ans: It is an unofficial, politically constructed notion of belonging to a specific Indian state. It emerges from nativist politics, tied to the idea of being “native,” “indigenous,” “local,” or “son of the soil.”
How does Provincial Citizenship differ from National Citizenship in India?
Ans: National Citizenship is constitutionally guaranteed under Articles 5–11 with uniform rights across India, while Provincial Citizenship is an unofficial, domicile-based construct privileging locals within States.
Which Constitutional provisions are violated by domicile-based policies?
Ans: Domicile rules often conflict with Articles 14, 15, 16, and 19, which guarantee equality, non-discrimination, equal employment opportunities, and freedom of movement.
Why are States increasingly adopting Provincial Citizenship policies?
Ans: Driven by economic competition for jobs, cultural anxieties over migration, and a lack of central law on domicile, States use it as a tool for nativist and electoral politics.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021)
- There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
- A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
- A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
SC Calls for Regulating Social Media
30-08-2025
For Prelims: Supreme Court of India, Social media, Information Technology Act, 2000, Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, Section 79(1) of the IT Act, 2000, Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), Article 21.
For Mains: Regulation of Social Media in India, Impacts of Social Media on Different Sections of Society.
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Supreme Court (SC), while hearing a case against comedians for derogatory remarks, observed that social media influencers commercialise free speech, cautioning that such content can harm the dignity of vulnerable groups and urging the government to frame effective guidelines to balance free speech with societal sensitivities.
Key Observations & Recommendations of SC
- Key Observations:
- Commercialisation & Accountability: Social media influencers monetise free speech, often creating an overlap with prohibited speech. The Court cautioned that such expression cannot be used as a shield to target vulnerable groups (disabled, women, children, minorities, senior citizens).
- Humour vs. Dignity: While humour is vital, derogatory jokes and insensitive remarks perpetuate stigma, discrimination, and undermine the constitutional mandate of inclusivity by “smashing” the goal of mainstreaming disadvantaged sections.
- Clear Boundaries in Digital Space: The Court emphasised the need to delineate free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech, as irresponsible online remarks erode dignity, social harmony, and community trust.
- Recommendations:
- Guidelines with Consequences: Directed the Union Government (in consultation with the National Broadcasters and Digital Association) to frame regulatory guidelines for influencers/podcasters with proportionate and enforceable consequences, avoiding “empty formalities.”
- Sensitisation & Responsibility: Stressed the importance of awareness, sensitisation, and digital ethics among social media users, while ensuring accountability of violators for societal harm.
- Apology & Balance of Rights: Ordered influencers to issue unconditional apologies via their platforms, clarifying that the Court does not seek to curtail free speech but to balance liberty with dignity, protecting community rights in a diverse society.
What are the Key Regulations Governing Social Media Usage in India?
Key Legislations:
- Information Technology Act, 2000 is the principal legislation governing electronic communication and social media.
- Section 79(1) provides “safe harbour” protection to intermediaries (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram) against liability for third-party content, provided they act as neutral platforms and do not control or modify content.
- Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000 allows the Government to block online content for protecting sovereignty, security, defense, foreign relations, public order, and preventing incitement to offences.
- Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 mandates social-media platforms to ensure user safety, removal of unlawful content, and awareness on issues such as privacy, copyright, defamation, and national security.
- The 2023 Amendment to these rules obligated intermediaries to take down false or misleading content related to the Government of India. However, its enforcement has been stayed by the Supreme Court (SC), citing concerns of misuse.
Key Judicial Pronouncements:
- In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), SC struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, 2000 for vagueness, reaffirming that criticism, satire, and dissent are protected under Article 19(1)(a), unless falling within reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).
- Section 66A criminalized sending offensive, false, or objectionable information via computers or electronic devices, prescribing up to 3 years’ imprisonment.
- In K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), SC recognised privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21.
Why is there a Need for Regulating Social Media?
- Protection of Vulnerable Groups Unregulated platforms enable derogatory content, cyberbullying, trolling, and exploitation, particularly of women, children, senior citizens, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
- Curbing Misinformation & Hate Speech: The rapid spread of fake news, deepfakes, hate campaigns, and extremist propaganda undermines social harmony, democratic discourse, and national security.
- Effective regulation can check disinformation ecosystems and maintain public order.
- Safeguarding Mental Health & Ethical Values: Features like endless scrolling, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and curated identities drive addiction, anxiety, and depression among youth.
- Regulations can promote digital well-being, responsible design, and ethical communication standards.
- Ensuring Accountability of Influencers: With the rise of influencer marketing, users are misled into financial risks by undisclosed paid promotions and illegitimate products (e.g., betting apps). Regulation ensures transparency, disclosure norms, and consumer protection.
- Data Privacy & Security: Social media platforms collect vast user data, often without informed consent, leading to privacy violations, surveillance, and misuse for profit or political influence. Regulation is essential to uphold constitutional rights to privacy under Article 21.
- Balancing Free Speech with Responsibility: While Article 19(1)(a) protects free speech, it is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) (public order, morality, decency, security of the State). Regulation helps draw the line between legitimate free expression and harmful/derogatory content.
What are the Key Challenges in Regulating Social Media in India?
- Volume & Anonymity: The sheer volume of online content makes continuous monitoring difficult. Added to this, anonymity of users emboldens hate speech, misinformation, and harmful content, straining regulatory capacity.
- Transparency & Accountability Gaps: Social media platforms lack transparency in decision-making and accountability in content moderation policies. The absence of independent oversight raises concerns about opaque practices and arbitrariness.
- Defining Harmful Content: There is subjectivity in defining harmful content, as differing social, political, and cultural views complicate consensus. This ambiguity creates grey zones between legitimate expression and prohibited speech.
- Free Speech vs. Censorship: Any attempt to regulate risks being seen as censorship or a curtailment of free speech, especially when criteria are not clear, objective, and proportionate.
- Cross-Border Jurisdictional Issues: A large share of harmful content originates from outside India’s jurisdiction, making enforcement and regulation difficult under domestic law.
- Political Neutrality Concerns: Content moderation decisions are often accused of political bias, raising questions about platform neutrality and undermining trust in regulatory mechanisms.
What Measures Can be Taken to Improve the Credibility and Utility of Social Media in India?
- Robust Legal-Policy Framework: Update the IT Act, 2000 through the Digital India Act, ensuring platform accountability, data protection, and freedom of expression, backed by judicial oversight to avoid overreach.
- Algorithmic Transparency & Accountability: Mandate algorithm audits, transparency reports, and independent oversight bodies; encourage the use of AI-driven moderation tools to ensure neutrality and quick redressal.
- Technological & Institutional Capacity: Expand cyber forensic labs, enhance agency capacity, and integrate AI-enabled monitoring systems while safeguarding privacy and encryption standards.
- Digital Literacy & Ethical Usage: Launch nationwide digital literacy campaigns against misinformation, deepfakes, and cyberbullying; promote responsible online behavior and ethical design practices prioritizing user well-being.
- Global & Multi-Stakeholder Cooperation: Strengthen international collaboration on cross-border regulation and involve civil society, academia, and industry to create an inclusive, future-ready digital ecosystem.
Conclusion
Regulating social media is essential to balance freedom of expression with the dignity and rights of vulnerable groups. A combination of robust legal frameworks, technological solutions, digital literacy, and ethical practices can ensure accountability, curb misinformation, and foster a safe, inclusive, and credible online ecosystem.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the challenges in regulating social media platforms in India, considering the balance between freedom of expression, privacy concerns, and the need for accountability.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question:
Mains
Q. What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present? (2013)
Q. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (2023)

Civil Society Organizations in India
30-08-2025
Source:TH
Why in News?
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have once again come into focus for its role in mobilising communities, protecting rights, and filling gaps in governance. Beyond the state and markets, it drives collective action, ensures citizen participation, and strengthens democracy in India.
What is a Civil Society Organization?
- About: CSO society refers to non-state, non-profit entities that unite people voluntarily to work collectively toward shared social, cultural, or ethical goals.

- Evolution of CSOs in India:
- Ancient–Medieval Roots: Civil society in India has deep roots in the ideas of dharma (duty), daan (giving), and karma, which encouraged service to others through religious and social movements.
- Pre-Independence Era: Reformers challenged caste discrimination, untouchability, and other social evils, linking voluntary action to social reform.
- Brahmo Samaj (1828) (promoted social and religious reform), Theosophical Society (1879) (spread spiritual and educational reform), and Ramakrishna Mission (1897) (emphasized service to humanity).
- Efforts were often unorganized and relief-based, but they laid a moral foundation for later mobilization.
- Gandhi’s philosophy of self-reliance, upliftment of the poor, and constructive work inspired mass participation and voluntary service organizations.
- Post-Independence: The new Indian state expanded welfare but recognized the supporting role of voluntary organizations.
- First Five-Year Plan (1951–56) emphasized cooperation between government and NGOs.
- Decentralization through the three-tier Panchayati Raj system gave space for cooperatives, farmer unions, and local associations to flourish.
- During the 1965–67 droughts, many international NGOs entered India with foreign aid and later set up permanent offices, reshaping civil society funding.
- Contemporary Era: Civil society shifted from welfare delivery to a rights- and empowerment-based approach seen in movements like Chipko (1973) and Narmada Bachao (1985).
- Civil society broadened its agenda to include rights to food, work (MGNREGA), education (RTE Act), health, and information (RTI Act).
- CSOs recognized as development partners of the state.NGOs expanded into gender, caste, environment, and marginalized issues, becoming key watchdogs of democracy.
- India with around 3.3 million NGOs Today, India has around 1.5 million NGOs involving over 19 million volunteers and staff, though most remain small and volunteer-driven.
Regulatory Framework for Civil Society in India
- Societies: Societies Registration Act, 1860; for literary, scientific, and charitable purposes.
- Trusts: Indian Trusts Act, 1882; states also have Public Trust Acts (e.g., Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950).
- Companies: Section 8 of Indian Companies Act, 2013; for not-for-profit activities like education, social welfare, environment, etc.
- Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010: Applies to all CSOs receiving foreign contributions.
What is the Role of Civil Society in a Democracy?
- Ensuring Accountability: CSOs act as a watchdog, scrutinizing state actions and checking political abuses and corruption.
- The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, Rajasthan, was instrumental in the passage of the national Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005.
- CSOs play a crucial role in monitoring elections, detecting fraud, and affirming legitimacy.
- Empowering Citizens and Promoting Democratic Norms: Educates citizens about laws, rights, and governance, sustaining an informed citizenry.
- Fosters tolerance, respect for dissent, and compromise, promoting democratic social norms.
- Provides platforms for marginalized groups (women, poor, persons with disabilities) to participate in governance, as seen in the role of CSOs advocating for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Women Empowerment: Organizations like Jagori and Swayam have raised awareness about women’s rights and promoted political participation.
- The Institute of Social Sciences' "Women’s Political Empowerment Program" has trained over 15,000 women for leadership roles in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
- PRIDE India has supported advocacy for women's rights through research and data collection.
- SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) empowers women in the informal sector, helping them gain economic independence and social status.
- Leadership Development and Representation: Facilitates articulation and aggregation of diverse societal interests.
- CSOs act as a training ground for future political leaders, breaking traditional party monopolies.
- CSOs act as a shock-absorbing institution by cross-cutting rigid political polarities. Helps maintain social cohesion in conflict-prone settings.
- Supporting Reforms and Public Service Delivery: Mobilizes public opinion for economic and political reforms.
- CSOs fill gaps in essential services like healthcare, education, sanitation, and disaster relief (e.g., During the Covid-19 pandemic, Goonj launched the 'Rahat' initiative to support vulnerable communities).
- Global Governance: Civil society not only promotes national democracy but also influences global governance.
- International norms on human rights, women’s rights, disability rights, and environmental concerns are leveraged to shape domestic policies.
What are the Challenges of Civil Society in a Democracy?
- Undermining Democratic Values: Not all CSOs pursue democratic purposes, some promote private interests, racism, nationalism, or fundamentalism, undermining democratic values.
- Funding Constraints CSOs face financial instability due to limited foreign funding (post-FCRA 2020 amendment) and inadequate domestic philanthropy.
- State funding can corrupt CSOs, diverting focus from democratic objectives to short-term gains.
- Additionally, many CSOs lack effective monitoring systems, making it difficult to assess their impact and attract funding.
- Inadequate Government Response: Government agencies may be ill-equipped to handle CSO inputs, resulting in friction, ineffective policymaking, and undermined democratic engagement.
- Inadequate Representation: Lack of equal access for marginalized groups in civil society can perpetuate structural inequalities and undermine democratic inclusivity.
- Cultural Insensitivity: Global civil society efforts may overlook local cultural contexts, especially in the Global South, leading to ineffective or irrelevant interventions.
- Internal Undemocracy: Many CSOs lack internal democracy, such as transparency or inclusive decision-making, contradicting the democratic principles they advocate.
- External Manipulation: Civil society organizations may be influenced or used by foreign powers to advance political or economic agendas, distorting their role in promoting democracy.
- Volunteer Retention: High volunteer turnover and inconsistent engagement make it difficult to sustain long-term projects and community relationships.
What Measures can be Adopted to Enhance the Role of CSO?
- Enhance Transparency and Accountability: Develop a national CSO database including financial reports, program outcomes, and impact assessments. Standardized reporting and voluntary third-party audits can build credibility.
- Support Evidence-Based Policymaking: Institutionalize CSO involvement in policy through representation on government committees, consultation forums, and the use of CSO data in decision-making.
- Diversify Funding Sources: Encourage domestic philanthropy, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships, and social impact investments to reduce dependency on foreign funds.
- Simplify Regulatory Framework: The government could simplify FCRA and streamline CSO registration and compliance through a single-window digital system,
- Boost Volunteerism: Launch national campaigns to promote volunteering, integrate community service into education, maintain volunteer databases, and use digital platforms to connect volunteers with CSOs.
Conclusion
Civil society remains the heartbeat of participatory democracy, bridging gaps between the state and citizens. Strengthening CSOs is not just about governance, it is about empowering society to shape its own future. A vibrant civil society is the true measure of a resilient democracy.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the evolving role of Civil Society Organizations in India and their contribution to participatory democracy.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women's effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (2023)
Q. How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints. (2015)
Q. Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. (2015)
Q. Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. (2021)
Q. In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive? (2024)

Samudrayaan Project
30-08-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
Two Indian aquanauts dived into the Atlantic Ocean aboard France’s submersible Nautile as part of preparations for the Samudrayaan Project.
What is the Samudrayaan Project?

What is the Deep Ocean Mission?
- Objective: Launched by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) for a period of 5 years (2021-26) to develop technologies for exploring and sustainably utilizing the deep ocean’s living and non-living resources
- It promotes India’s Blue Economy, covering marine industries like fishing, shipping, biotechnology, and tourism
- It supports climate change research and aligns with UN’s 2021–2030 ‘Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’
- Mission Components:
- Deep Sea Mining & Manned Submersible: Development of submersible to reach 6,000 m and mining of polymetallic nodules. Prepares India for future commercial deep-sea exploration under International Seabed Authority rules.
- Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: Observation and modeling of climate variables for seasonal to decadal projections, aids Blue Economy and coastal tourism.
- Deep-Sea Biodiversity: Bio-prospecting and sustainable use of deep-sea flora, fauna, and microbes.
- Deep Ocean Survey & Exploration: Identifying multi-metal hydrothermal sulphide sites along Indian Ocean ridges.
- Energy & Freshwater from Ocean: Feasibility studies for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) desalination plant, supports offshore energy development.
- Advanced Marine Station: Build talent in ocean biology and engineering; turn research into industrial products via on-site incubators.
- Progress: Under the mission, the deep-water Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Ocean Mineral Explorer (OMe 6000) was deployed for exploration.
- In December 2022, it surveyed mineral-rich zones at a depth of 5,271 meters in the Central Indian Ocean Basin Polymetallic Manganese Nodule (PMN) site.
- Using the research vessel SagarNidhi, the AUV OMe 6000 conducted a 14 sq. km survey to assess polymetallic nodule distribution and deep-sea biodiversity, paving the way for future exploration and resource mapping.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q: With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2022)
- A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from a baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
- Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
- The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Q: Consider the following statements: ( 2021)
- The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
- India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
- “Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)

One District One Product (ODOP)
30-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative has recently been in the news for its nationwide expansion, highlighting its role in promoting district-level economic development and local entrepreneurship.
What is One District One Product (ODOP)?
- About: The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, implemented through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) with support from Invest India.
- Inspired by Japan’s “One Village One Product” model, ODOP identifies, brands, and promotes one distinctive product from each district. As of 2025, it covers 1,102 products across 761 districts, including agriculture, handicrafts, textiles, and food items.
- Objective: The scheme aims to transform local specialities into global brands by supporting artisans, farmers, and small enterprises, while preserving India’s cultural heritage and traditional skills.
- Launched in Uttar Pradesh in 2018, starting with Moradabad’s brassware, the initiative helped revive traditional crafts such as chikankari embroidery, pottery, carpets, leather goods and brassware.
- Vision: ODOP aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and “Vocal for Local”, promoting sustainable production, innovation, and market access, with eco-friendly and traditionally crafted products positioned for international markets.
- Product Selection and Coverage: Products are selected by States and Union Territories based on existing local ecosystems and communicated to DPIIT.
- Currently, over 1,200 ODOP products across sectors like textiles, food processing, handicrafts, and minerals are listed on the official digital portal.
- Market Access and Digital Integration: ODOP products are linked to wider markets through platforms such as the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), ODOP Bazaar and state-level e-commerce portals, expanding sales and outreach.
- Exports and Global Recognition: ODOP strengthens India’s export ecosystem through alignment with Make in India, Vocal for Local, and Districts as Export Hub, while showcasing Indian products at international trade exhibitions and global platforms.
ODOP Wall
- The ODOP Wall serves as a curated display of district-specific indigenous products at platforms such as SARAS Aajeevika Stores, aimed at enhancing market access and visibility for rural artisans and women Self-Help Groups
PM Ekta Malls
- Developed under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, these malls aim to transform local crafts into national cultural hubs and global market destinations, supporting self-reliant and culturally confident India.
- They are being developed with ₹5,000 crore interest-free support including at least ₹100 crore per State, with 29 Unity Malls approved across 27 States, to improve market access and income for artisans and local entrepreneurs.
- They will act as dedicated retail hubs to promote ODOP, Geographical Indication(GI)-tagged and handicraft products, with earmarked space for every State and Union Territory to showcase district-level specialities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is ODOP?
ODOP (One District One Product) is a government initiative that promotes one unique product from each district to boost local livelihoods and regional development.
2. When was ODOP launched?
ODOP was launched in 2018 in Uttar Pradesh and later expanded to the national level.
3. What is the main objective of ODOP?
The main objective of ODOP is to unlock district-level economic potential by supporting local artisans and producers through branding, market access, and skill development.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. What is/are the recent policy initiative(s)of Government of India to promote the growth of manufacturing sector? (2012)
- Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones
- Providing the benefit of ‘single window clearance’
- Establishing the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Tantya Mama and Bhil Tribe
30-01-2026
Source: IE
Tantya Mama has been in the news after the Madhya Pradesh government announced plans to install a new metal statue of the revered tribal figure.
Tatya Mama
- About: He was a prominent tribal freedom fighter from the Bhil community, which constitutes about 40% of Madhya Pradesh's 1.53 crore tribal population (Tribals form 21% of MP's population, the highest in India).
- Period of Resistance: Actively resisted British colonial rule between 1878 and 1889, in the backdrop of post-1857 Revolt, revenue oppression and exploitation of tribal communities.
- Popular Image: Revered as the Indian Robin Hood for his actions of targeting wealthy landowners and British-aligned authorities, then redistributing resources to support the poor and oppressed tribal populations. He is affectionately called “Mama” (maternal uncle).
Bhil Tribe
- About: The Bhil are the largest tribal group in India (4.61 million, 37.7% of total ST population per 2011 Census), predominantly inhabiting across Gujarat, MP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Religious Practices: Predominantly Hindu with animistic elements; worship serpent gods, and nature deities. Some groups follow Islam (e.g., Nirdhi, Tadvi Bhils, Maharashtra).
- History of Colonial Resistance & Exploitation: Declared “Criminal Tribes” under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871. Key revolts include:
- Bhagat Movement (1883) led by Govind Guru, culminating in the Mangarh massacre (1913,Adivasi Jallianwala).
- Eki Andolan (1920) led by Motilal Tejawat.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Renowned for distinct art forms like Pithora paintings (MP) and Bhil art (dotted style), and festivals like Bhagoria (MP) and Gol Gadhedo (Gujarat).

Amendments to New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019
30-01-2026
Source: PIB
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified significant amendments to the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019, aiming to simplify regulatory processes and accelerate pharmaceutical research under the Ease of Doing Business framework.
- Waiver of Test Licence: The requirement to obtain a test licence from Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for non-commercial manufacture of small quantities of drugs for research, examination, or analysis has been replaced with a prior-intimation mechanism.
- Reduced Timelines: The reform is expected to save 90 days in the drug development cycle.
- For categories still requiring a licence, the statutory processing time has been halved from 90 days to 45 days. The reforms will optimise utilisation of existing CDSCO manpower and improve regulatory efficiency.
- Ease for Clinical Studies: Prior permission for low-risk Bioavailability/Bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies has been removed, now studies can now commence via simple online intimation to CDSCO.
- Digital Integration: To ensure smooth implementation, dedicated online modules will be launched on the National Single Window System (NSWS) and the SUGAM portal (CDSCO e-governance platform), enabling transparent, paperless, and hassle-free submission of intimations.
- Jan Vishwas Siddhant: These trust-based reforms align with the government's Jan Vishwas principles, aiming to make India a global hub for pharmaceutical R&D.
Holy City Status and Sikh Heritage
29-12-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
Punjab has officially declared Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities due to their deep Sikh heritage, as each hosts one of the faith’s five Takhts.
- This designation aims to develop these cities as key religious and cultural centers by enforcing a ban on the sale of liquor, tobacco, cigarettes, and meat within city limits to preserve their sanctity.
Summary
- Punjab has declared Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities due to their deep Sikh heritage, as each hosts one of the faith’s five Takhts.
- Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, emphasizes monotheism, equality, and ethics, with institutions like Gurdwaras, Takhts, the SGPC, and the Khalsa Panth central to its practice and governance.
What is Sikhism?
- Core Tenets and Origins: Founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century in Punjab, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that evolved through ten Gurus and was influenced by Bhakti and Sufi traditions.
- It emphasizes devotion to one God, ethical living (Seva), and equality.
- Sikhs form the Khalsa, established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, who adhere to a code of conduct and wear the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan).
- Sacred Texts and Key Institutions: The primary scripture is the Guru Granth Sahib (written in Gurmukhi), considered the eternal Guru. The Dasam Granth is a supplementary text.
- The Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship and community service, open to all.
- The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is the apex elected body managing major Gurdwaras.
- The Khalsa Panth is the collective body of the Sikh community.
- Five Takhts (Seats of Authority): The 5 Takhts guide Sikh religious and temporal affairs.
- Akal Takht (Amritsar, Punjab): The supreme seat, established by Guru Hargobind Singh in 1606, symbolizing the union of temporal (Miri) and spiritual (Piri) authority.
- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib, Punjab): Site where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa.
- Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Patna, Bihar): Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Takht Sachkhand Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra): Where Guru Gobind Singh was cremated.
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Punjab): Where Guru Gobind Singh finalized the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Historical Reform Movement: The Gurdwara Reform (Akali) Movement (1920) sought to free Sikh shrines from corrupt mahants.
- It led to the formation of the SGPC (1920) and the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, granting Sikhs legal control over their Gurdwaras.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of the five Takhts in Sikhism?
The five Takhts are seats of temporal and spiritual authority. The Akal Takht in Amritsar is the supreme seat, symbolizing Miri-Piri (temporal-spiritual unity), while the others are linked to key events in Guru Gobind Singh's life.
2. Who founded Sikhism and when?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded Sikhism in the 15th century in Punjab, emphasizing monotheism, equality, and ethical living.
3. What are the Five Ks in Sikhism?
Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan — worn by Khalsa Sikhs as symbols of faith, discipline, and identity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. Consider the following Bhakti Saints: (2013)
- Dadu Dayal
- Guru Nanak
- Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
Ans: (b)
Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment
29-12-2025
For Prelims: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment, DPSPs, Fundamental Duties, Air Pollution, Monsoon, Biodiversity Hotspots, Western Ghats, Soil Organic Carbo, E-waste, Articles 48A and 51A(g), Article 14 (Right to Equality), Polluter Pays Principle, UNFCCC.
For Mains: Different environmental crises in India and various Supreme Court judgments on environmental rights, Key environmental conservation initiatives taken in India and further steps needed to strengthen its conservation in India.
Source: TH
Why in News?
The persistent environmental crisis has reignited debates about constitutional provisions for environmental protection and the need for explicit recognition of the right to a clean and healthy environment.
Summary
- India faces multi-dimensional environmental crises affecting health, ecology, and economic sustainability.
- Judicial interpretation has expanded environmental rights under Article 21, supported by DPSPs and Fundamental Duties.
- The urgent need is explicit constitutional recognition, stronger institutions, and integrated, technology-driven environmental governance.
What are the Persistent Environmental Crises in India?
- Severe Air Pollution: India’s severe air pollution, particularly in northern cities such as Delhi, consistently exceeds particulate matter limits and contributed to 2.1 million of the 8.1 million global air-pollution-related deaths in 2021. As per the World Air Quality Report 2024, 13 of the 20 most polluted cities worldwide are in India.
- Health impacts range from respiratory infections, lung diseases, and asthma to cardiac and gastrointestinal issues.
- Water Scarcity: Despite initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), water scarcity is escalating, with per capita availability declining from 1,816 cubic meters in 2001 to 1,545 cubic meters in 2011 and projected to fall to 1,219 cubic meters by 2050.
- Biodiversity and Habitat Loss: Deforestation driven by infrastructure, agriculture, and mining leads to habitat fragmentation, soil erosion, and reduced carbon sequestration. India's biodiversity hotspots, like the Western Ghats, face severe threats, with IPCC projections warning of up to 33% biodiversity loss by 2050 due to climate change.
- Land Degradation and Soil Health Decline: Despite India being a party to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), soil erosion, salinization, and fertility loss are rampant due to over-farming and chemical fertilizer overuse.
- Some 83.69 million ha (mha) underwent desertification in 2018-19. This was greater than the 81.48 mha in 2003-2005 and 82.64 mha in 2011-13.
- Soil Organic Carbon in intensively farmed areas is falling to 0.3% from historical levels of around 1%.
- Waste Management Crisis: India generates approximately 62 million tonnes of waste annually, including 7.9 MT of hazardous waste, 5.6 MT of plastic, 1.5 MT of e-waste, and 0.17 MT of biomedical waste. Despite a reported 95% collection rate, much of this waste is burned or poorly handled, resulting in landfill overflows and toxic leachate contaminating soil and water.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
- About: The GRAP is a pre-emptive and emergency framework created to control and reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
- GRAP has been prepared in compliance with the Supreme Court’s (SC) order dated 2nd December, 2016, in the MC Mehta vs. Union of India case 1986, to address air quality issues in the National Capital Region of Delhi.
- It was notified in 2017, and is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the concerned state governments.
- Stages of GRAP: It categorises pollution response measures into four stages, depending on the AQI levels.
- Stage I – Poor (AQI 201–300): Basic pollution control measures like road dust management and enforcing vehicle PUC (Pollution Under Control) norms.
- Stage II – Very Poor (AQI 301–400): Stricter actions such as limiting diesel generator use and controlling operations in pollution hotspots.
- Stage III – Severe (AQI 401–450): Imposes restrictions on specific vehicles, construction activities, and allows for remote schooling measures.
- Stage IV – Severe+ (AQI > 450): Enforces bans on entry of heavy vehicles, closure of schools, and shutdown of non-essential industries.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- About: The CAQM is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 to coordinate and implement air pollution control measures in the NCR and adjoining states—Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Leadership and Eligibility: The Commission is headed by a full-time Chairperson with either at least 15 years of experience in environmental protection and pollution control or 25 years of administrative experience.
- Accountability and Role: The CAQM is directly accountable to Parliament and functions as the apex authority for air quality management in the NCR region.
How has Environmental Jurisprudence Evolved in India?
- Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): The SC gave its opinion that a clean environment shall be included in the meaning of life under Article 21.
- Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of UP (1985): The SC recognized, for the first time, the right to live in a healthy environment as part of Article 21 of the Constitution.
- M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1986): The SC held that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991): The SC combined Articles 48A and 51A(g) with Article 21, ruling that the state must protect and improve the environment so that every citizen can enjoy pollution-free air and water, essential for a meaningful life.
- Article 48A: Obligation of the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
- Article 51A(g): Obligation of Citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
- M.C. Mehta versus Kamal Nath (1996): The SC defined the public trust doctrine as a social contract where the state acts as a trustee of natural resources owned by the people, and must manage them only for public benefit, not for private gain.
- M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India (2024): Recognised right against adverse effects of climate change under Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 14 (Right to Equality).
- Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum versus Union of India (1996): The SC explained the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle.
- The precautionary principle requires the state to take preventive action against serious environmental threats, promoting sustainable development over a choice between development and ecology.
- The polluter pays principle makes polluters financially responsible for managing their pollution, such as a factory safely disposing of toxic by-products.
Key Environmental Conservation Initiatives Taken in India
- Air & Water Quality Management: National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Namami Gange Programme, Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves), Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant (1992), Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- Waste Management & Circular Economy: Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, E-Waste Management Rules, 2022, Swachh Bharat Mission, Waste to Wealth Mission.
- Climate Change & International Commitments: Paris Agreement Commitments, International Solar Alliance (ISA), LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
- Monitoring & Technology Initiatives: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), National Green Tribunal (NGT), ISRO’s Environmental Information System (ENVIS).
- National Missions & Programs: National Green Hydrogen Mission, National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), National Afforestation Programme (NAP), Green India Mission (GIM).
What are the Challenges in Solving the Persistent Environmental Crises in India?
- Governance & Implementation Gaps: Strong environmental laws in India, like the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, suffer from chronic weak enforcement, with industries often operating without a valid Consent to Operate and facing minimal punitive action.
- Developmental Pressures: Large infrastructure projects, such as highways in forested areas, often proceed with expedited clearances despite fragmenting wildlife corridors. Similarly, poverty drives unsustainable resource use like illegal sand mining, which persists as critical income despite causing severe ecological damage.
- Ecological & Technical Complexities: Trans-boundary crises like Indo-Gangetic air pollution require complex multi-state coordination. Meanwhile, rising extreme weather events such as Cyclone Biparjoy worsen coastal erosion, overwhelming local adaptation.
- Political & Behavioral Hurdles: Short-term development through populist subsidies discourage conservation and encourage resource over-extraction. Furthermore, low public acceptance of sustainable practices, like waste segregation, cripples urban waste management.
What Further Steps are Necessary to Strengthen Environmental Conservation in India?
- Strengthen Legal & Constitutional Framework: Amend the Constitution to make the Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment a standalone Fundamental Right, imposing a non-derogable duty on the state. Legally codify the Precautionary Principle, Polluter Pays Principle, Public Trust Doctrine, and Intergenerational Equity for nationwide enforcement.
- Enhance Implementation & Governance: Establish a National Environmental Authority for cross-ministry coordination (Environment, Agriculture, Transport, Urban, Energy) to integrate efforts. Mandate real-time pollution data disclosure and use AI and satellite imagery (like ISRO's ENVIS) to automatically monitor deforestation, dumping, and river pollution.
- Systemic Shifts & Behavioural Change: Implement environmental outcome-based budgeting, tying funds to ecological targets like air quality and forest cover. Enforce climate-centric urban planning with mandatory green belts and net-zero building codes.
- Economic and Financial Mechanism: Implement a carbon tax on high-emission sectors while redirecting fossil fuel subsidies to renewables and scaling up sovereign green bonds. Mandate that 50% of CSR spending goes to environmental projects, tracked via a public CSR-Environment dashboard, and foster CSR-NGO partnerships for effective implementation.
- International Cooperation: Pursue favorable technology transfer agreements for clean technology, renewable energy, and pollution control equipment from developed nations. Actively secure the USD 300 billion annual climate finance commitment from developed countries under the UNFCCC.
Conclusion
Recurring environmental crises and sustained judicial activism highlight a serious implementation gap in India’s conservation framework. Establishing a constitutional right to a clean environment, alongside integrated governance, data-driven enforcement, and financial realignment, is essential to shift from reactive responses to systemic ecological sustainability.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Critically examine the role of the Supreme Court in expanding the scope of Article 21 to include environmental protection
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How has Article 21 been linked to environmental protection?
The Supreme Court has interpreted Article 21 to include the right to pollution-free air, water, and a healthy environment.
2. What does the Polluter Pays Principle imply?
It requires polluters to bear the cost of pollution control and environmental damage remediation.
3. Has climate change been recognised as a constitutional issue?
Yes, in M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India (2024), climate change impacts were recognised under Articles 21 and 14.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area? (2012)
- Global warming
- Fragmentation of habitat
- Invasion of alien species
- Promotion of vegetarianism
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
Q. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? (2020)
- Automobile exhaust
- Tobacco smoke
- Wood burning
- Using varnished wooden furniture
- Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater? (2025)
Q. Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiative in this regard. (2024)
Q. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? (2021)
Q. What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the government of India? (2020)
Sujalam Bharat Summit 2025
29-11-2025
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Jal Shakti will host the Vision for Sujalam Bharat Summit 2025 in New Delhi, marking a major national effort to create a unified and practical water security framework.
- Origin: It was conceived in line with the Prime Minister's vision of organising Summits that bring together Central and State officers as well as junior cadres.
- Objective: To accelerate water sustainability in India by promoting evidence-based policy making, sectoral reforms, and cooperative federalism in water governance.
- Scope: Encompasses 6 critical thematic areas:
- Rejuvenation of Rivers and Springs: Wetland restoration, catchment protection, and community river stewardship.
- Greywater Management: Circular water use, pricing models, nature-based solutions, and septage treatment.
- Technology-driven Water Management: AI-based monitoring, micro-irrigation, leak detection, and precision agriculture.
- Water Conservation: Aquifer recharge, traditional water systems, and LiFE-aligned behavioural change.
- Sustainable Drinking Water Supply: Climate-resilient systems, source sustainability, and community-based operations and maintenance.
- Community Engagement: Empowering PRIs, SHGs, and local bodies for long-term sustainability of water assets.
- National Priorities Identified: The Ministry consolidated inputs into five national priorities: source sustainability, groundwater recharge, modern & nature-based solutions, stronger community institutions, and inter-departmental convergence.
- Significance: It adopts a whole-of-government approach, linking policymakers and implementers to turn strategy into effective action, propelling the nation faster towards the shared goal of a truly Sujalam and Sustainable Bharat.
India Plans to Allow Private Sector Participation in Nuclear Energy
29-11-2025
Source:BS
Why in News?
The Prime Minister of India announced that the country will soon open its civil nuclear power sector to private players, ahead of the Parliament’s winter session where the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 will be introduced to expand nuclear capacity and attract private investment.
How can the Private Sector Strengthen India’s Nuclear Power Programme?
- India’s Ambitious Capacity Expansion: India plans to scale nuclear capacity from 8.8 GW to 22 GW by 2032 and 100 GW by 2047, but the sector is still dominated by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), which lack the capital, manpower, and construction capacity needed to meet these ambitious targets.
- Private players can augment capital, skilled workforce, and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) capabilities, making large-scale expansion feasible.
- Bridging the Massive Financing Gap: Reaching 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 needs about Rs 15 lakh crore investment, but the 2025–26 Budget allocates only Rs 20,000 crore.
- Nuclear projects demand huge upfront costs, making limited public funds a major challenge and highlighting the need for private investment to mobilise long-term capital, reduce the fiscal burden, and diversify funding sources.
- Accelerating Project Execution: Many NPCIL projects, such as Kudankulam Units 3–6, have faced chronic delays due to procurement issues, slow construction, and administrative hurdles.
- Private players can help speed up projects through better project management and stronger supply-chain efficiency.
- Boosting Technology & Innovation: Private sector involvement can support the adoption of advanced reactor designs, small modular reactors (SMRs), and global collaborations, keys to scaling nuclear capacity and improving safety.
- Strengthening Uranium Supply Chains: Allowing private firms to mine, import, and process uranium can upgrade India’s limited domestic capability, reduce dependence on Government-to-Government (G2G) deals, and build strategic reserves for long-term nuclear fuel security.
- Enhancing India’s Energy Security & Net-Zero Pathway: Private participation helps accelerate low-carbon capacity growth, supporting India’s net-zero 2070 commitments.
- Private sector entry can deepen localisation of reactor components, boost domestic manufacturing, and integrate India into global nuclear supply chains.
India’s Nuclear Energy Landscape
- Nuclear Energy: It is a form of energy released from the nucleus, the core of atoms, made up of protons and neutrons.
- This source of energy can be produced in two ways: fission – when nuclei of atoms split into several parts – or fusion – when nuclei fuse together.
- It is a low-carbon, high-density energy source providing base-load power and contributing to energy security and sustainable development.
- Status in India: As of 2025, India’s current power capacity stands at 8.18 GW, with an ambitious target of 100 GW by 2047.
- Currently, India operates more than 20 nuclear reactors, all managed by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), with over a dozen new projects planned.
- The Nuclear Energy Mission was launched in the Union Budget 2025-26 which is focused on research and development (R&D) of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- India aims to develop at least five indigenously designed and operational SMRs by 2033.
- New technology developments include Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Molten Salt Reactors, and High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors.

What are the Major Barriers to Private Sector Participation in India’s Nuclear Power Sector?
- Nuclear Liability Concerns: Section 17(b) of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLND), 2010 allows the operator a “Right of Recourse” against suppliers after a nuclear accident, unlike the CSC regime where liability rests solely with the operator.
- This potential supplier liability raises insurance costs and makes private participation financially risky.
- Financing and Cost Challenges: According to the Central Electricity Authority, the capital cost of a Pressurised Heavy Water (PHW) nuclear plant in India is expected to rise to around Rs 14 crore per megawatts (MW) by 2026–27.
- Despite its low-carbon profile, nuclear energy is not classified as “renewable,” making it ineligible for tax incentives and green financing, which further adds to its financial challenges.
- Unclear Ownership & Revenue Model: Atomic Energy Act, 1962 has historically restricted private firms from co-owning or operating reactors or selling nuclear-generated electricity, creating major uncertainty about their role and deterring private participation in the sector.
- Fuel Supply & Processing Restrictions: Domestic uranium reserves (approx 76,000 tonnes) can fuel around 10,000 MW for 30 years, but meet only 25% of future needs, making imports essential.
- Private players cannot mine, import or process uranium due to legal restrictions, limiting their ability to control a core project input.
- With India relying heavily on long-term uranium contracts from Kazakhstan, Canada and Uzbekistan, private firms face uncertainty in long-term fuel security if they enter the sector.
- Regulatory & Security Constraints: Nuclear installations have strict security and inspection standards under Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Private firms can face compliance burdens far higher than in power, coal, or renewables.
What Steps Can Enhance India’s Nuclear Power Sector?
- Legislative Reforms: India needs to amend the Atomic Energy Act (1962) to permit private participation in nuclear power generation, and establish clear ownership models.
- Revise the CLNDA (2010) to limit supplier liability, and align with Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC, 1997) to enhance investor confidence.
- The government is preparing to introduce the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, which is a significant step in the right direction.
- Develop a Clear PPP Model: Establish transparent frameworks for co-ownership, tariffs, risk-sharing, and long-term power purchase agreements to attract private investment.
- Fuel Security: Strengthen fuel security by securing long-term uranium supplies from countries like Canada, Kazakhstan, and Australia, while accelerating R&D on thorium reactors such as BHAVINI’s PFBR.
- At the same time, build indigenous supply chains and develop nuclear industrial parks to localise critical technologies.
- Speed Up Project Execution: Adopt Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) -based contracts, improve procurement systems, and involve private EPC firms to avoid delays seen in projects like Kudankulam.
Conclusion
Opening India’s nuclear sector to private players could transform its clean energy landscape, but success will depend on resolving liability issues, clarifying ownership structures, and strengthening the regulatory framework. The Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 marks a major step, but the sector’s future will hinge on how well the policy balances safety, investment, and long-term energy security.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the need for legislative reforms in India’s nuclear sector to enable private participation while safeguarding safety and liability?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy is the energy released from the nucleus of an atom through fission (splitting) or fusion (combining), with all commercial electricity today produced through fission.
Q. Which isotope is primarily used as fuel in nuclear reactors?
Most reactors use Uranium-235, a fissile isotope that constitutes less than 1% of natural uranium.
Q. How does a nuclear power plant produce electricity?
Heat from fission converts water into steam, which spins turbines connected to a generator, producing electricity—similar to thermal power plants but with no CO₂ emissions from operation.
Q. What is the Nuclear Fuel Cycle?
It is the sequence of industrial processes from uranium mining → enrichment → fuel fabrication → reactor use → spent fuel storage → reprocessing or disposal.
Q. Why is uranium enrichment necessary?
Natural uranium contains only 0.7% U-235, which is insufficient for sustained fission; enrichment increases U-235 concentration to 3–5% for reactor fuel.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not? (2020)
(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium
(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately owned
Ans: (b)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)
- The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations.
- The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018)
Q. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of the fast breeder reactor programme in India? (2017)
Tewary Commission Report on Nellie Massacre
29-11-2025
Source: IE
The 1983 Nellie Massacre, during the Assam Agitation (1979–1985), has returned to public focus after the Assam government released the Tewary Commission Report, shedding new light on the tragedy.
- The commission found that the tragedy was avoidable, but delayed action, ignored intelligence, and poor coordination allowed the violence to spiral out of control.
Assam Agitation (Assam Movement)
- About: The Assam Agitation, driven by fears of losing indigenous Assamese cultural, linguistic, and political identity, focused on identifying and expelling illegal immigrants, mainly from Bangladesh.
- It was led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and focused on the Three Ds: detecting immigrants who arrived after 1951, deleting their names from voter rolls, and deporting them from India.
- Outcome: The unrest eventually led to the Assam Accord of 1985, signed by the Centre, the state government, and movement leaders. The key clauses of the Assam Accord were:
- It officially set 25th March, 1971, as the cut-off date for detecting illegal foreigners.
- Anyone who entered Assam between 1st January, 1966, and 24th March, 1971, would be detected as a foreigner and would have their name deleted from the voter list for 10 years, after which their citizenship rights would be restored.
- Anyone who entered on or after 25th March, 1971, would be detected and deported.
Tech-Driven Multilingual Inclusion in India
29-10-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India is advancing toward digital multilingual inclusion by leveraging advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and machine learning.
- Platforms like Bhashini, BharatGen, and Adi-Vaani are being used to preserve, digitize, and promote the use of 22 Scheduled Languages and hundreds of tribal and regional dialects across India’s vast geography in governance, education, and communication.
How is India Integrating Technology with Language Preservation and Digital Inclusion?
- Bhashini: Implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM).
- It provides real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven translation, speech recognition, and language understanding services.
- Supports 22 Scheduled Languages and several tribal languages, enabling multilingual access in governance, education, and digital communication.

- Sanchika: Managed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).
- Sanchika serves as a digital archive of dictionaries, primers, storybooks, and audiovisual content in Indian languages.
- BharatGen: It is a multilingual AI model suite for Indian languages developed under MeitY.
- Adi-Vaani: Launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA). It is India’s first AI-driven platform for tribal language translation and preservation.
- It supports Santali, Bhili, Mundari, Gondi, and other tribal languages through Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Speech Recognition.
- GeMAI (Government e-Marketplace AI Assistant): Developed under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as part of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
- Provides voice and text-based support in multiple Indian languages.
- Assists small vendors and local entrepreneurs to navigate and transact in their native languages.
- Anuvadini: Created by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
- Uses AI-based translation to convert engineering, law, and medical textbooks into Indian languages.
- It supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision of learning in the mother tongue.
- e-KUMBH (Knowledge Unleashed in Multiple Bharatiya Languages): An AICTE-hosted digital platform offering free access to technical and higher education books in Indian languages.
- SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds): A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform of the Ministry of Education (MoE).
- SWAYAM provides multilingual online courses to more than five crore learners across India. It strengthens linguistic inclusivity in digital higher education.

What are the National and Institutional Initiatives Supporting Language Preservation and Digital Inclusion?
- SPPEL (Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages): Launched in 2013 by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and implemented by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru.
- Documents and digitally archives languages spoken by fewer than 10,000 people.
- Creates text, audio, and video corpora to support AI and NLP-based research on endangered languages.
- TRI-ECE (Tribal Research, Information, Education, Communication and Events) Scheme: Implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
- Promotes AI-based translation tools for converting English and Hindi text and speech into tribal languages and vice versa.
- Collaborates with Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) to ensure cultural sensitivity and community participation.
- NTM (National Translation Mission): A flagship program of the Ministry of Education (MoE).
- NTM aims to translate knowledge and academic texts into Indian languages to democratize education and research.
- NMM (National Mission on Manuscripts): Run by the Ministry of Culture (MoC).
- NMM works on preservation, digitization, and dissemination of ancient Indian manuscripts in Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, and regional languages.
What is the Broader Impact of Technology-Led Multilingual Platforms?
- Governance and Public Service Delivery: Multilingual AI platforms like Bhashini and GeMAI enable citizens to access government services, information, and digital portals in their own languages.
- This enhances transparency, participation, and trust in governance, especially for people in rural and non-Hindi-speaking regions.
- Education and Skill Development: Platforms such as e-KUMBH, Anuvadini, and SWAYAM democratize learning by providing textbooks, technical content, and online courses in regional languages.
- This supports the NEP 2020 vision of learning in the mother tongue, improves comprehension, and helps bridge the digital education divide.
- Cultural and Linguistic Preservation: Initiatives like SPPEL, Sanchika, and Adi-Vaani digitally document endangered and tribal languages, keeping oral traditions, stories, and knowledge systems alive.
- They ensure that linguistic heritage evolves with technology rather than disappearing in its shadow.
- Economic and Social Inclusion: Language-inclusive digital platforms help local entrepreneurs, farmers, and small businesses interact with government schemes, e-commerce, and financial services more easily.
- This reduces information barriers and fosters equitable participation in the digital economy.
- Research and Innovation: The large multilingual datasets created through these initiatives strengthen India’s AI research ecosystem and encourage the development of indigenous language technologies.
Conclusion
India’s language preservation efforts are driven by cutting-edge technologies to keep its linguistic heritage vibrant and accessible. Platforms like Bhashini, and BharatGen safeguard cultural diversity while driving inclusive digital growth and global leadership in multilingual innovation.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Examine the role of technology in preserving India’s endangered and tribal languages.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Bhashini?
Bhashini is an AI-driven multilingual translation platform under the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM), implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
2. Which platform focuses on AI-based preservation of tribal languages?
Adi-Vaani, launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is India’s first AI-driven platform for real-time translation and preservation of tribal languages like Santali, Bhili, and Gondi.
3. What is the role of BharatGen in India’s multilingual ecosystem?
BharatGen develops text-to-text and text-to-speech AI translation models for 22 Scheduled Languages, enhancing accessibility in governance, education, and healthcare.
4. How do initiatives like Anuvadini and e-KUMBH support NEP 2020?
Anuvadini translates technical books into Indian languages, while e-KUMBH provides free multilingual access to educational materials—supporting NEP 2020’s goal of education in the mother tongue.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2021)
1. 21st February is declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.
2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Q. Consider the following languages: (2014)
- Gujarati
- Kannada
- Telugu
Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language/Languages’ by the Government?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
United Nations Convention against Cybercrime
29-10-2025
Source:IE
Why in News?
The United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (UNCC), the world’s first global framework to tackle cybercrime, moved closer to becoming legally binding after 72 of 193 UN member states signed the treaty.
Note: The Convention was opened for signature in Hanoi, Vietnam in October 2025, where 72 countries signed it during the high-level conference. It will enter into force 90 days after 40 countries ratify or accede to it.
What is the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (UNCC)?
- About: The UNCC officially called the Convention on Cybercrime: Strengthening International Cooperation to Combat Crimes Committed Through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Systems, is the first international criminal justice treaty to have been negotiated in over 20 years.
- Key Provisions: UNCC provides legal measures to address crimes committed via ICT systems.
- It facilitates cross-border sharing of electronic evidence in serious crimes crimes such as illegal data interception, hacking, money laundering, and online child sexual abuse material.
- The convention promotes capacity building and technical assistance for developing nations.
- UNCC also includes human rights protections while enabling digital law enforcement.
- Implementation Mechanism: UNCC establishes a Conference of the States Parties to monitor and review implementation.
- UNODC serves as the secretariat for the Convention, providing technical support, training, and assistance for national implementation, along with guidance through its Global Programme on Cybercrime.
- States that did not sign may later accede by depositing an instrument of accession.
- India and UNCC: India has not signed the UNCC as of October 2025, despite being an active participant in its drafting.
- Earlier India also declined to sign the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, consistent with its approach of wanting a greater role in shaping global digital frameworks.
What is Cybercrime and Cybersecurity?
Cybercrime
- About: It refers to criminal activities that use or target digital technologies, networks, or devices.
- Perpetrators range from individual hackers to organized criminal networks, exploiting the anonymity and reach of the internet.
- These crimes transcend borders and can affect national security, financial systems, and personal safety.
- Developing countries are especially vulnerable due to weak cybersecurity infrastructure and low awareness.
- Emerging technologies like AI, deepfakes, and generative tools have created new risks around misinformation, privacy, and copyright infringement.
- Categories:
- Cyber-enabled Crimes: Traditional crimes conducted online, such as fraud, trafficking, hate speech, and incitement to violence.
- Cyber-dependent Crimes: Crimes that can occur only through ICT systems, including phishing, identity theft, malware attacks, and ransomware.
- Cybercrime Threat in India: Cybercrime cases rose by 31.2% in 2023, reaching 86,420 cases, up from 65,893 in 2022 (National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2023). Karnataka recorded the highest number of cases.
- Major cybercrimes include Fraud, Extortion, and Sexual exploitation.
- India also faces cross-border scams from Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
- Between January and May 2025, Indians lost over Rs 4,800 crore to foreign-based cyber frauds.
Cybersecurity
- About: Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft. It acts as a digital fortress, defending individuals and organizations against online attacks.
- It includes strategies, policies, and technologies aimed at identifying and assessing threats, preventing and detecting cyberattacks, and mitigating harm while ensuring quick recovery from incidents.
- A strong cybersecurity framework helps maintain privacy, trust, and data integrity in an increasingly interconnected world.

What are the Challenges and Opportunities for India Under the UN Cybercrime Convention?
Challenges
- Privacy Concerns: The Convention’s surveillance provisions may conflict with India’s constitutional right to privacy as highlighted in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, 2017.
- Data Sovereignty Issues: India opposition to data-sharing without prior written consent from the originating country may clash with the treaty’s cross-border data-sharing clauses.
- Strategic Caution: India’s hesitation to sign the treaty protects autonomy but risks limiting its influence in future digital rule-making.
Opportunities
- Stronger Global Cooperation: Enables India to work more closely with other countries on cybercrime investigations and evidence-sharing.
- Capacity Building Support: Offers access to UN-led training and technical aid to strengthen national cybercrime units.
- Policy Alignment: Could push India to update its National Cybersecurity Strategy and modernize data protection and cyber laws.
Conclusion
The UN Cybercrime Treaty marks a major step in global cybersecurity governance, aiming to ensure no country is left defenceless against cybercrime but it also raises critical questions about privacy, human rights, and digital sovereignty.
For India, the challenge lies in adopting a framework that strengthens cyber resilience without compromising individual freedoms.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Examine the objectives and key provisions of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (UNCC).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the UN Cybercrime Convention (UNCC)?
The UNCC is the first global treaty on cybercrime, adopted by the UNGA in December 2024 to harmonise laws, enable cross-border electronic evidence sharing, and strengthen cooperation and capacity building.
- Has India signed the UNCC?
No, as of October 2025 India did not sign the treaty, citing privacy, data sovereignty and governance concerns despite having participated in drafting.
- What are the main cyber threats facing India today?
Rising cybercrime — including fraud, extortion and sexual exploitation — with a 31.2% increase in cases in 2023 (NCRB), plus large cross-border financial frauds costing billions of rupees.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.1 In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)
- Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
- Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
- Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
- Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Q.2 In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)
- Service providers
- Data centres
- Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
PM SVANidhi 2.0
29-08-2025
Source: PIB
The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring and extension of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme, until 31st March 2030 with an aim to benefit 1.15 crore street vendors, including 50 lakh new beneficiaries.
- PM SVANidhi Scheme: Launched by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2020. It aims to support street vendors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic by providing working capital loans to restart their businesses and promoting financial inclusion and digital transactions.
- PM SVANidhi offers interest subsidy on timely loan repayment, cashback for digital transactions, and eligibility for enhanced next tranche of loans.
- 'SVANidhi se Samriddhi' component under PM SVANidhi provides social security benefits to street vendors.
- As of July 2025, over 96 lakh loans worth Rs 13,797 crore were disbursed to 68 lakh street vendors.
- The scheme won the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2023) for innovation and the Silver Award for Government Process Re-engineering (2022) for digital transformation.
- PM SVANidhi 2.0: Implementation of the scheme would be the joint responsibility of MoHUA and Department of Financial Services (DFS).
- Enhanced loan amounts across first and second tranches, providing greater working capital.
- Provides UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card for vendors who have repaid the second loan, ensuring quick access to credit for business or personal needs.
- Expanded coverage beyond statutory towns to census towns and peri-urban areas in a graded manner.
- ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ initiative will be strengthened further through monthly Lok Kalyan Melas to ensure beneficiaries access multiple government schemes.
- The scheme focuses on building vendors’ capacity in entrepreneurship, digital skills, and food safety in partnership with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
International Data Privacy Day
29-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India observed International Data Privacy Day on 28th January, reaffirming its commitment to responsible data practices, public awareness, and trust-based digital governance amid the rapid expansion of digital platforms.
- The day was designated in 2006 by the Council of Europe to commemorate the signing of the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with Regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (Convention 108), the world’s first legally binding international treaty on data protection.
Summary
- On International Data Privacy Day India reaffirmed its commitment to responsible data practices and trust-based digital governance amid rapid digitalisation and expanding use of citizen data.
- While the DPDP Act, 2023 and supporting institutions strengthen India’s data protection framework, addressing gaps in regulatory independence, state exemptions, victim remedies, and AI-era risks is essential to translate legal safeguards into real privacy protection.
Convention 108
- It is a 1981 treaty that safeguards the right to privacy amid the growing cross-border flow of automatically processed personal data.
- The Convention has been modernised since 1985, with major updates approved in 2018, introducing mandatory data breach reporting, stronger accountability of data controllers, and new safeguards against risks from algorithmic decision-making and artificial intelligence.
- All Council of Europe members have ratified it, and several non-European countries have acceded to it. India has not signed or ratified the Convention 108.
What is Digital Footprint and How has the Indian Data Privacy Framework Evolved?
- Digital Footprint: It refers to the vast scale and depth of digital platforms that underpin governance, service delivery, and citizen participation across the country.
- India is the world’s third-largest digitalised economy, with 101.7 crore broadband users, ultra-low data costs of USD 0.10 per GB, and deep digital penetration across daily life, enabling mass digital inclusion at a population scale.
- Its Digital Public Infrastructure (including Aadhaar, UPI, MyGov and eSanjeevani (44+ crore digital health consultations) anchors participatory governance and large-scale service delivery.
- Imperative for Data Privacy: The massive scale and sensitivity of personal data generated across these platforms heighten risks of data misuse, cyber threats, and privacy breaches.
- India is witnessing a surge in phishing, ransomware, identity theft, UPI and online banking frauds. In 2024, the nation recorded 1.91 million cybercrime complaints, reflecting the scale of digital financial vulnerability.
- This makes privacy by design, strong legal frameworks, cybersecurity safeguards, and institutional accountability essential for sustaining public trust, inclusion, and secure digital governance.
- It builds public trust in government-led digital services, strengthens accountability and transparency, and ensures that digital innovation remains citizen-centric, ethical, inclusive, and non-exploitative.
Indian Data Privacy Framework
- Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: Data protection in India governed by the IT Act, 2000, the country’s core cyberspace law that provides legal recognition to electronic records and digital signatures and enables e-governance and digital commerce.
- The IT Act, 2000, established CERT-In for cyber incident response, with key provisions supporting cybersecurity, adjudication, and content regulation.
- CERT-In is national nodal agency for cybersecurity with a vision of proactive prevention, incident response, and securing India’s communications & information infrastructure
- IT (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (amended in 2025): Prescribe due diligence obligations for intermediaries, mandate time-bound grievance redressal, and aim to ensure a safe, transparent, and accountable online ecosystem aligned with India’s data security needs.
- Intermediaries are defined as entities that store or transmit data on behalf of others, including telecom and internet service providers, online marketplaces, search engines, and social media platforms.
- Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023: The roots of this Act can be traced back to the 2017 Supreme Court ruling in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India, where the right to privacy was officially recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Prior to this, India lacked a dedicated privacy law.
- The Supreme Court held that the right to privacy flows from Article 21 and the freedoms under Part III of the Constitution, and can be restricted only if state action satisfies a three-fold test (it must have legislative backing, pursue a legitimate state aim, and meet the proportionality standard as the least intrusive measure in a democratic society).
- DPDP Act, 2023, governs digital personal data processing, balancing individual privacy with lawful data use for innovation and growth, and follows a SARAL (Simple, Accessible, Rational, Actionable) compliance approach.
- The Data Protection Board of India was established under the DPDP Act, 2023 to oversee compliance, inquire into data breaches and enforce corrective action. It strengthens accountability, grievance redressal and public trust.
- The Act empowers individuals as Data Principals, granting clear rights and greater control over personal data while ensuring organisations act responsibly, transparently, and accountably.
- Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025: The Rules operationalise the DPDP Act, 2023, establishing a citizen-centric data protection regime that safeguards personal data while enabling innovation and responsible use.
- Along with the DPDP Act, the Rules clearly define rights, responsibilities, and enforcement mechanisms, strengthen institutional accountability, and ensure secure, transparent, and future-ready digital governance in India.

Data Privacy & Security Readiness Initiatives
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Initiative / Mechanism
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Key Features & Significance
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Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
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MHA-led nodal body, it focuses on cybercrime prevention, detection & response, especially crimes against women & children.
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National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) & Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS)
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Enables real-time reporting of cybercrime & financial frauds; supported by Helpline 1930 for nationwide access
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Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC)
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Facilitates real-time coordination among banks, telecoms, and law enforcement to block accounts, SIMs, and devices
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Sahyog Platform & Suspect Registry
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Sahyog for expedited takedown of unlawful online content and Suspect Registry for identification of mule accounts & fraud-linked digital identifiers
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C-DAC Cybersecurity Solutions
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Development of indigenous tools to reduce dependence on foreign technologies and enhance digital sovereignty
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National Cyber Forensic Laboratories
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Provide forensic support for data breach analysis, evidence preservation, and cybercrime prosecution
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Samanvaya Platform
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National Management Information System for cybercrime analytics, inter-State coordination, and geo-mapping of cybercrime infrastructure
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CyTrain (2019) & Cyber Commando Programme (2024)
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Strengthen skilled cybersecurity workforce across law enforcement and institutions
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Cyber Swachhta Kendra (CSK)
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It acts as a Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre, providing free malware detection and removal tools. It also provides daily alerts, and best cyber security practices dissemination.
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What are the Key Challenges to Data Protection in India?
- State Exemptions and Constitutional Imbalance: The DPDP Act, 2023, allows the State to exempt itself from core obligations without independent or judicial oversight.
- This creates an uneven privacy regime where citizens are protected from private actors but not from the government. Such asymmetry weakens the constitutional right to privacy under Article 21.
- Executive-Controlled Regulator: The Data Protection Board is appointed and administered by the executive, which is itself the largest data fiduciary.
- This undermines regulatory independence and raises concerns of biased enforcement. Effective data protection requires an arm’s-length regulator, not executive supervision.
- Penalties Without Victim Compensation: While the law imposes heavy fines on data fiduciaries, affected individuals have no direct right to compensation.
- Penalties flow to the State, not to victims, turning data protection into a revenue mechanism rather than a rights framework.
- Citizens must approach civil courts for compensation, making privacy protection inaccessible in practice.
- AI and “Public Data” Grey Zones: The exemption of publicly available personal data creates ambiguity in AI training and data scraping.
- Personal information shared online can be reused without meaningful consent. This dilutes individual control in the age of generative AI and deepfakes.
- Weak Remedies and Complex Grievance Redressal: The grievance mechanism is multi-layered, requiring citizens to approach the company, regulator, and tribunal sequentially.
- This complexity discourages ordinary users from pursuing privacy violations. Access to justice remains limited in practice.
- Cybersecurity Capacity Deficit: Legal safeguards are undermined by weak cyber enforcement capacity and skill shortages.
- AI-enabled fraud, deepfakes, and social engineering exploit human trust rather than technical loopholes. Data protection without cyber capability remains largely symbolic.

What Measures can Strengthen Data Protection in India?
- Structural Independence of the Regulator: The Data Protection Board of India must function as an autonomous regulator rather than an executive body. Adopting a collegium-based appointment system would insulate it from political influence.
- Such institutional independence is essential for credible adjudication against the State, the largest data fiduciary.
- Judicial Oversight for Government Exemptions: Introducing prior judicial or independent authorization for surveillance would prevent misuse. This ensures security concerns are balanced with constitutional privacy safeguards.
- Victim-Centric Compensation Mechanism: Creating a dedicated Data Protection Compensation Fund from collected fines would enable swift victim compensation. Empowering the DPBI to grant ex-gratia relief would make privacy enforcement citizen-centric.
- Promote Bilateral Data Agreements: Support bilateral and multilateral agreements to facilitate safe data exchange, rather than adopting restrictive or isolationist policies.
- Privacy by Design for Consent Managers: Mandating open, interoperable, non-profit models (similar to Account Aggregators) would prevent manipulation and dark patterns. This ensures consent remains meaningful, informed, and user-driven.
Conclusion
Data Privacy Day highlights trust and data protection as core to India’s digital ecosystem. With the DPDP framework and stronger cybersecurity institutions, India is building a secure digital future. It reinforces the shared responsibility of the State, platforms, and citizens in safeguarding digital rights.
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Drishti Mains Question:
“Data protection is a democratic imperative in a digitally governed society.”Examine this statement in the context of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is International Data Privacy Day and why is it observed?
It is observed on 28 January to raise awareness on data protection and commemorate Convention 108, the world’s first legally binding data protection treaty.
2. What is meant by India’s digital footprint?
It refers to the population-scale use of digital platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, MyGov, and eSanjeevani in governance, services, and daily life.
3. What is the significance of the DPDP Act, 2023?
It establishes a citizen-centric data protection framework, empowering individuals as Data Principals and ensuring accountability of data handlers.
4. Which institution enforces data protection under the DPDP Act?
The Data Protection Board of India, which oversees compliance, investigates breaches, and enforces corrective action.
5. How does India strengthen cybersecurity beyond legislation?
Through CERT-In, I4C, NCRP, CFMC, Cyber Swachhta Kendra, and capacity-building programmes like CyTrain and Cyber Commando.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.1 In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)
- Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
- Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
- Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
- Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Q.2 In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)
- Service providers
- Data centres
- Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.(2022)
India’s Evolving Counterterror Response Since 26/11 Attacks
28-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The President honoured the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 26/11 attack and urged everyone to renew their commitment to fight terrorism in all forms.
- On 26th November 2008, 10 armed terrorists linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) carried out coordinated strikes in Mumbai, leading to the tragic loss of 166 lives, including 18 security personnel, over a 60-hour ordeal.
What Major Reforms were Introduced in India’s Counter-terrorism Framework Following the 26/11 Attacks?
- Legal Reforms: The enacted National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008 that established the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as a federal body to investigate terror cases, overcoming inter-state coordination issues.
- Bolstering Intelligence: The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), established in 2010, serves as a key counter-terrorism initiative by creating a secure, integrated database that enables security agencies to share information and track suspects using data from multiple government sources.
- It further strengthened the national intelligence architecture by enhancing the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) to enable real-time information coordination.
- Coastal Security Reinforcement: India implemented a multi-layered defense system, with the Indian Navy responsible for overall maritime security and the Indian Coast Guard managing territorial waters and coordinating with marine police stations.
- A Coastal Surveillance Network of radar sensors was also installed along the coastline to monitor vessel movement in real-time.
- Modernization of Police and Special Forces: To ensure a faster response, many states created their own Special Forces, such as Force One in Maharashtra, while the NSG was decentralized with four regional hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata for rapid, pan-India deployment.
- Soft Target Protection: Security for major soft targets like hotels and airports was drastically upgraded with enhanced protocols, CCTV cameras, and access control.
- Simultaneously, India’s cyber security was strengthened by empowering CERT-In to counter digital threats.
Which Key Limitations Continue to Impede India’s Counter-terrorism Capabilities?
- Lack of a National Counter-Terrorism Doctrine: India still lacks a unified, long-term counter-terrorism doctrine, resulting in a predominantly reactive approach that intensifies only after major attacks.
- Without a clear strategic framework, policies tend to vary with political leadership, preventing a consistent and bipartisan national security approach.
- Fragmented Intelligence Apparatus: A critical weakness is the persistent stove-piping of intelligence, where agencies like the IB, R&AW, and state police lack seamless integration, hindering the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC).
- The November 2025 Red Fort car blast exposed serious coordination gaps as earlier seizures of explosives by neighbouring states were not properly linked or shared.
- Critics argue that poor information integration at the MAC prevented timely action by the Delhi Police.
- Legal and Judicial Lacunas: India's judicial process for terror cases remains hampered by weak prosecution, where shoddy investigation and witness intimidation often cause cases to collapse despite strong initial evidence.
- For instance, in July 2025, a special NIA court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, noting that the prosecution failed to prove the charges, giving the accused the benefit of doubt.
- Technological Lacunas: Security agencies lack effective counter-narrative strategies against extremist propaganda and have uneven cyber forensics capabilities to track sophisticated online terror activities.
- Terror groups now use dead-drop methods (saving drafts in shared email accounts without sending them) and peer-to-peer crypto transfers to evade traditional surveillance, while intelligence agencies struggle with a shortage of cyber-intelligence analysts and linguistic experts needed to decode such encrypted communications.
- Manpower & Capacity Crises: As of July 2025, the NIA faced a 28% staff shortage with 541 vacancies, leaving key operational posts, especially Inspectors and DSPs, undermanned and forcing reliance on deputation instead of a specialized cadre.
- State Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) units also remain under-equipped, lacking dedicated firing ranges, modern night-vision gear, and forensic labs, as repeatedly noted by CAG audits.
What Measures can be Taken to Strengthen Counter-terrorism Efforts?
- Deepen Tech Integration with MAC: Integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with the MAC data feeds.
- This can analyze vast amounts of intercepted data (chats, financial transactions, travel records) to identify patterns, predict potential attacks, and flag suspicious networks far more efficiently than human analysts alone.
- Strengthen Police at the Last Mile: Since state police are the first responders, strengthening their capacity requires continuous funding for modern equipment, specialized counter-terrorism training, and seamless MAC/SMAC intel-sharing systems to ensure timely, actionable responses.
- Strengthen Legal Provisions: Strengthening counter-terror justice requires fast-track courts to expedite trials that act as a deterrent, alongside regular review and amendment of laws like UAPA to address modern threats while ensuring safeguards.
- Cripple Terror Financing: Strengthen the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to monitor hawala transactions, cryptocurrency payments, and shell companies funding terrorism, while enhancing international cooperation with FATF to target safe havens.
- International Cooperation: Deepen intelligence sharing by enabling real-time, actionable exchanges with key partners like USA, Israel, France, and Gulf countries to disrupt plots from abroad.
- Apply diplomatic pressure through multilateral forums (UN, G20, BRICS, SCO) to isolate state-sponsors of terrorism, supported by initiatives like the "No Money for Terror" conferences.
Conclusion
Future counter-terrorism strategies in India must build on post-26/11 reforms by addressing fragmented intelligence, judicial gaps, cyber threats, and manpower shortages. Emphasizing a unified doctrine, advanced technology integration, and stronger international cooperation will create a proactive, resilient, and coordinated counter-terrorism architecture.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Examine the key changes made to India's coastal security architecture post-26/11. To what extent have they addressed the vulnerabilities exposed during the attacks?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which major institutional reforms were implemented after 26/11?
Key reforms included creation/strengthening of the NIA, expansion of coastal surveillance networks, strengthening of the Multi-Agency Centre, NATGRID development, NSG hub decentralisation and state-level special forces (e.g., Force One).
Q. How does the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) strengthen counter-terrorism?
NATGRID creates an integrated database for security agencies to share information and track suspects using data from various government sources, enhancing intelligence coordination.
Q. What persistent lacunae continue to hinder India’s counter-terrorism capacity?
Persistent issues include intelligence stove-piping, uneven state police capabilities, technological shortfalls in cyber and surveillance, judicial/prosecution weaknesses, and gaps in doctrine and rehabilitation programs.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (2017)
Q. Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country? (2015)
Q. Cyber warfare is considered by some defence analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same. (2013)
Passive Euthanasia and the Right to Die with Dignity
28-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Supreme Court has instructed a hospital to constitute a medical board to assess a petition seeking passive euthanasia for a 32-year-old individual who has remained in a “persistent vegetative state” for the past 12 years.
- A Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) is a medical condition in which a person loses higher brain functions (like awareness, thinking, and purposeful movement) but retains basic bodily functions such as breathing, circulation, sleep–wake cycles, and reflexes.
What is Euthanasia?
- About: Euthanasia refers to intentionally accelerating a person’s death to prevent further suffering from an incurable or terminal illness. It involves a painless, deliberate act aimed at relieving physical, emotional, or spiritual distress. It is of two types:
- Active Euthanasia: It involves deliberately ending a patient’s life. It can take different forms:
- Voluntary, where the patient consciously opts for death;
- Non-voluntary, where the decision is made for an incompetent patient; and
- Involuntary, where death is caused without consent (almost illegal in all countries).
- Passive Euthanasia: It allows a terminally ill patient to die naturally by withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment.
- This approach aims to uphold the right to die with dignity and prevent prolonged, futile suffering in irreversible medical conditions.
- Legal Standing in India:
- Active Euthanasia: Indian law prohibits active euthanasia. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, categorizes any deliberate act causing death as an offense, prosecutable under its sections on culpable homicide (Section 100) or murder (Section 101).
- Passive Euthanasia: The Supreme Court (SC) has recognised passive euthanasia under certain restrictions, as long as it is in the best interests of the patient and follows the law.
- Article 21 guarantees that no one shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except by law, and the Supreme Court interprets it to include health, livelihood, privacy, shelter, and dignity, but it does not include the right to die, except under certain circumstances allowing a dignified death
- Law Commission Stand: The 241st Report of the Law Commission (2012) clarified that a competent patient can refuse life-sustaining treatment without legal consequences, and doctors acting according to the patient’s informed wishes are not guilty of abetment or culpable homicide.
- Related Judicial Pronouncements:
- Maruti Shripati Dubal v. State of Maharashtra (1987): The Bombay High Court held that the right to die forms part of the right to life under Article 21, and that individuals who are terminally ill or experiencing severe pain should be allowed to choose to end their lives.
- Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996): The SC stated that the right to life does not include the right to die, emphasizing that life is a natural gift that should be preserved rather than terminated.
- Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011): The SC allowed withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, even for patients who cannot make decisions but only under strict legal and medical safeguards.
- Common Cause v. Union of India (2018): The SC noted that active euthanasia (deliberate action to cause death) and passive euthanasia (withdrawing life-saving treatment) are distinct, stating that passive euthanasia may be permitted in rare cases.
- The Court established that a terminally ill patient has a fundamental right to die with dignity, which includes the right to refuse medical treatment through advance medical directives, known as living wills.
- Supreme Court Directives on Euthanasia:
- Original 2018 Directives: The 2018 guidelines required a two-stage medical review:
- Primary Medical Board: Constituted by the hospital, including the Head of the treating department and at least 3 specialists from general medicine, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, psychiatry, or oncology, each with 20 years of experience.
- Secondary Medical Board: Appointed by the district collector, including the Chief District Medical Officer as Chairman and three expert doctors from the same fields.
- 2023 Modifications: The Supreme Court retained both boards but reduced the experience requirement from 20 years to five and set a 48-hour time limit for opinions.
- The secondary board now excludes the Chief District Medical Officer, allows a nominee by the District Medical Officer, and both boards have three members each.
- Global Position on Euthanasia: Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium allow both euthanasia and assisted suicide for anyone experiencing unbearable suffering with no chance of improvement.
- Switzerland permits non-physicians to help the terminally ill commit suicide, though active euthanasia is illegal.
- Australia also allows both types, limited to adults with full decision-making capacity who have a terminal illness.
- These global variations highlight how euthanasia remains ultimately an ethical question, shaped less by medical capacity and more by each society’s moral principles, values, and philosophical traditions.
What are the Key Ethical Perspectives on Euthanasia?
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Arguments FOR Euthanasia (Pro-Choice)
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Arguments AGAINST Euthanasia (Pro-Life)
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Supremacy of Autonomy (Libertarianism): Drawing from John Stuart Mill’s Liberalism, proponents argue that an individual is sovereign over their own body and mind. Therefore, a competent adult has the libertarian right to self-determination, including the choice to end their life when it becomes unbearable, without state interference.
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The Sanctity of Life (Deontology): Immanuel Kant’s Deontological ethics asserts that human life is an "end in itself" and never a means to an end. Therefore, intentionally destroying life—even to escape pain—treats humanity merely as a tool, violating the Natural Law duty to preserve life regardless of its quality.
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Minimizing Suffering (Utilitarianism): Based on Jeremy Bentham’s Act Utilitarianism, the moral worth of an action is determined by its ability to maximize happiness and minimize pain. Since prolonged agony serves no purpose, euthanasia is viewed as a compassionate, rational choice that reduces the net suffering in the world.
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Value of Endurance (Virtue Ethics): Virtue Ethicists argue that suffering, while painful, is a part of the human condition that calls for the virtues of courage and endurance. Gandhian ethics (Ahimsa) generally rejects active killing, suggesting that spiritual strength is found in facing life's natural end rather than prematurely escaping it.
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Beneficence Over Biology: The medical principle of Beneficence (acting in the patient's best interest) implies that a doctor's duty is to relieve suffering. When a cure is impossible and pain is unmanageable, aiding a peaceful death is seen as fulfilling the humanitarian obligation of the medical profession.
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"Do No Harm" (Non-Maleficence): The core of medical ethics, rooted in the Hippocratic Oath, is Primum non nocere (First, do no harm). Opponents argue that a doctor is a healer, not an executioner; engaging in euthanasia corrupts the telos (purpose) of medicine and destroys the doctor-patient trust.
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Rational Resource Management (Pragmatism): From a pragmatic utilitarian standpoint, maintaining life support for PVS (Persistent Vegetative State) patients consumes scarce medical resources. Redirecting these funds to treatable patients upholds the principle of Distributive Justice, ensuring the greatest good for the greatest number.
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The "Slippery Slope" (Rule Utilitarianism): Rule Utilitarians warn that even if a specific case of euthanasia seems merciful, legalizing it creates a dangerous rule. It risks a "Slippery Slope" where society eventually starts justifying the involuntary killing of the elderly, disabled, or poor to save costs, leading to moral decay.
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Did you Know?
- Euthanasia and assisted suicide are different: euthanasia involves someone, usually a doctor, directly ending a patient’s life, while assisted suicide provides the means or guidance for a person to end their own life.
- Suicide tourism, or euthanasia tourism, occurs when patients travel to countries where these practices are legal. Switzerland is a major destination, attracting patients mainly from the UK, Germany, and France.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s intervention reinforces India’s evolving approach to the right to die with dignity, combining legal safeguards with compassionate care through a structured, medically-reviewed passive euthanasia process.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Differentiate between active and passive euthanasia. What are the procedural safeguards mandated by the Supreme Court for the withdrawal of life support?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the key difference between active and passive euthanasia?
Active euthanasia involves a direct act to end a life (e.g., lethal injection), while passive euthanasia is the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment to allow a natural death from the underlying illness.
Q. Which landmark Supreme Court judgment recognized the 'Right to Die with Dignity' as part of Article 21?
The Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) judgment recognized this right and legally permitted passive euthanasia and 'living wills' in India.
Q. How did the Supreme Court recognize passive euthanasia in India?
In Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011) and Common Cause v. Union of India (2018), the SC legalized passive euthanasia and advance medical directives under Article 21.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (2018)
(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.
(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care.Discuss. (2020)
Reclassification of CPSEs
28-10-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
The Government is planning to revise the classification and performance assessment criteria for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) by introducing two new ‘Ratna’ categories in addition to the existing Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna statuses.
- The Department of Public Enterprises under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises grants Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna status to CPSEs based on their financial performance.
What are the Key Aspects of the CPSEs’ Reclassification?
- New Evaluation Parameters: New evaluation parameters under discussion include corporate governance, succession planning and leadership development, capital expenditure, dividend payout, sustainable business practices, and alignment with Vision 2047.
- Re-evaluation Committee: A 10-member committee led by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan is conducting the re-evaluation, with its report due before the Union Budget 2026–27.
- Objective of Revision: It aims to modernize the public sector and align it with India’s national economic strategy by developing next-gen CPSEs capable of global competitiveness.
- It focuses on accountability, performance-driven governance, efficiency, and strategic resource alignment toward sectors vital for India’s future economic security.
- Current Ratna Categories: India currently has 14 Maharatna, 26 Navratna, and 74 Miniratna firms. The status enables financial and operational independence in capital spending, joint ventures, and investments.
What are CPSEs?
- About: A Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) is a company, majority-owned and controlled by the Government of India, with at least 51% of its shares held by the Central Government, either directly or indirectly through other CPSEs.
- This definition also extends to include the subsidiary companies of such enterprises.
- Formation: It is an entity that was either incorporated under Indian company law (like the Companies Act, 2013) or established by a specific Act of Parliament.
- Current Classification of CPSEs:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a CPSE?
A Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) is a company with ≥51% government ownership, incorporated under company law or an Act of Parliament, including its subsidiaries.
2. Who is re-evaluating CPSE classification?
A 10-member committee headed by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan is reviewing CPSE classification and will submit its report before the Union Budget 2026–27.
3. How does the proposed new 'Ratna' differentiation differ from the existing one?
Unlike the existing categories that depend on financial size and turnover, the new tiers will recognize CPSEs based on their strategic importance to national economic goals in critical sectors.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)
1. It is a Public Limited Government Company.
2. It is a Non-Banking Financial Company.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Internationalisation of Indian Higher Education
28-10-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
17 foreign universities mainly from the UK and Australia, have received approval to set up campuses in India under UGC’s 2023 regulations. This move aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and comes amid growing demand for quality higher education in India.
How is India Advancing Global Partnership in Higher Education?
- NEP 2020 Vision: Guided by the principles of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability, NEP 2020 aims to establish India as a global education hub.
- It allows top 100 global universities to operate in India, fostering international collaboration, student and faculty mobility, and academic credit transfer to elevate the entire education ecosystem to global standards.
- UGC’s Regulations 2023: To operationalize the NEP 2020's vision, UGC’s (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations 2023 was enacted, permitting top-ranked Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) to establish campuses in India.
- Eligible FHEIs must be ranked within the top 500 QS World University rankings.
- These institutions are mandated to maintain the same academic standards, curricula, and degree equivalence as their parent campuses abroad.
- They are granted operational autonomy, including flexibility in faculty recruitment—both Indian and foreign—and are not bound by existing fee caps applicable to Indian universities.
What Factors are Driving Foreign Universities to Establish Campuses in India?
- Demand Surge for Quality Higher Education: With over half its population under 30 and a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) below 30%, India presents a vast untapped higher education market.
- Rising incomes, a growing middle class, English proficiency, and demand for global learning make it an attractive destination for foreign universities.
- Supportive Policy Environment: NEP 2020 promotes the internationalisation of education, inviting top global universities to India, while UGC’s 2023 regulations provide a supportive framework for establishing their campuses.
- Declining International Students: Recent data shows a sharp decline in Indian students abroad due to stricter immigration policies, including restrictions on foreign students bringing dependents and other measures to reduce immigration in the UK, US, and Canada.
- Diversification of Revenue: With stagnant domestic enrolments and declining public funding, universities in the UK, Australia, and Canada see India as a strategic market for revenue diversification and financial stability.
- Strategic Global Partnerships: Indian campuses strengthen institutional ties, promote research collaboration and student exchange, and build a talent pipeline for future postgraduate recruits and global alumni networks.
- E.g., UK–India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) promotes bilateral student and faculty exchange.
What are the Implications of Internationalising India’s Higher Education?
- Global Competitiveness: Foreign universities introduce global curricula, teaching standards, and quality assurance, elevating India’s academic ecosystem while attracting innovation and research funding.
- Curbing Brain Drain: Highly skilled talented students may now stay in India, reducing the massive annual outflow of billions of dollars spent on studying abroad.
- Systemic Improvement: The presence of foreign universities will drive Indian institutions to innovate, enhance quality and competitiveness, while their governance models and industry-academia linkages can serve as a blueprint for systemic reform.
- Alignment with National Goals: Courses in high-demand fields like AI, Data Science, and Finance will build a skilled workforce aligned with Make in India and Digital India, while fostering a diverse and cosmopolitan academic environment.
- Affordable International Degrees: Earning a foreign degree in India is far more affordable than studying abroad — e.g., Southampton University’s 2026 fees for Undergraduate (UG) courses (Rs 13.86–23.10 lakh) are about half of UK on-campus costs.
What are the Key Challenges in Setting Up Foreign University Campuses in India, and How can They Be Addressed?
|
Challenges
|
Way Forward |
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Autonomy Challenges: Limited autonomy on fees, curriculum, faculty; complex UGC approvals.
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Stable Regulatory Framework: Fast-track single-window clearances; transparent policies on autonomy, taxation, and fund repatriation.
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Financial Viability: Balancing affordability with costs; meeting enrollment targets for break-even.
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Sustainable Financial Models: Phased investments; public-private partnerships; allow surplus repatriation with reinvestment clauses.
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Competition Challenges: Intense competition from IITs/IIMs; student skepticism on degree value.
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Strategic Academic Partnerships: Joint degrees, credit transfers; collaborative research on India-specific themes.
|
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Quality Assurance Issues: Attracting top faculty; ensuring no dilution of curriculum/pedagogy standards.
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Robust Monitoring & Evaluation: Define success via research, employability, and community impact metrics.
|
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Infrastructure Barriers: Land acquisition, taxation, labour laws, and infrastructure readiness.
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Cultural Integration: Adapt curricula to Indian context and values; promote local skills and knowledge economy.
|
Conclusion
India's framework for foreign universities, driven by NEP 2020 and UGC 2023, aims to transform higher education by enhancing quality, curbing brain drain, and fostering global competitiveness. Success hinges on balancing foreign autonomy with national interest, ensuring affordability, and creating sustainable, mutually beneficial academic partnerships for long-term impact.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Examine how National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UGC Regulations 2023 facilitate the internationalisation of higher education in India and assess their policy implications
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the policy framework for foreign universities setting up campuses in India?
NEP 2020 and UGC Regulations 2023 permit top-ranked Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) to establish campuses, promoting internationalisation and quality parity.
2. Which eligibility criterion must foreign universities meet under UGC rules?
FHEIs must be ranked within the top 500 globally (overall or subject-wise) or demonstrate exceptional domain expertise as per UGC assessment.
3. How does the entry of foreign universities align with India's national development goals?
It supports goals like 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' by creating a skilled workforce in high-demand fields, curbing brain drain, and fostering research and innovation within the country.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (2012)
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Rural and Urban Local Bodies
- Fifth Schedule
- Sixth Schedule
- Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans- (d)
Mains
Q1. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021)
Q2. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (2020)
Outlook of Indian Economy
28-07-2025
For Prelims: Reserve Bank of India, Consumer Price Index, Inflation, Current Account Deficit, Gross fiscal deficit , Foreign Portfolio Investment
For Mains: State of the Indian economy and macroeconomic indicators, Inflation and fiscal discipline, State finances
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India's article titled “State of the Economy” offers a cautiously optimistic view of the Indian economy, amid global and trade-related uncertainties.
What is India's Present State of the Economy?
- Inflation: Retail inflation (measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI)) fell from 5.4% in 2023–24 to 2.1% in June 2025, the lowest since January 2019.
- In June 2025, core inflation rose to 4.4% due to costlier personal care, education, and recreation, while overall inflation eased more sharply in rural (1.7%) than urban areas (2.6%).
- Balance of Payments: India recorded a current account surplus of 1.3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Q4 2024–25.
- India’s Current Account Deficit narrowed to 0.7% of GDP in FY24.
- Fiscal Developments: Gross fiscal deficit (GFD) stood at 0.8% of its 2025-26 budget estimates, a significant improvement from 3.1% in 2024-25
- Till May 2025, the Centre received 21% of Budget Estimates (BE) 2025-26 of Total Receipts. Total expenditure stood at 14.7% of FY26 BE, with a notable focus on capital expenditure.
- Trade Performance: India’s overall trade deficit narrowed nearly 30% in May 2025, mainly due to falling oil prices and strong services exports.
- Compared to May 2024, total exports in May 2025 grew by 2.8% boosted by a 9.4% rise in services exports, while total imports fell by 1%.
- India’s export performance in FY 2024–25 was driven by strong growth in sectors like coffee, tobacco, electronic goods, rice, and drugs & pharmaceuticals.
- Other sectors such as ready-made garments (RMG) of textiles, plastic & linoleum, engineering goods, and fruits & vegetables also saw positive growth.
- The US, UK, Japan, UAE, and France emerged as top export destinations during the year.
- On the import front, major sources included UAE, China, Thailand, US, and Russia.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI inflows up 14% in FY25 from FY24, and 125% higher than FY14.
- The services sector led with 19% of equity inflows, followed by software & hardware (16%) and trading (8%).
- Manufacturing FDI rose by 18% in FY25 compared to FY24, Maharashtra topped with 39% of inflows, while Singapore was the largest source (30%), followed by Mauritius and the US.
- Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI): India witnessed positive net Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) inflows of USD 44.1 billion in FY24.
- External Debt: India's external debt rose by 10% in 2025 compared to 2024, with the debt-to-GDP ratio rose slightly to 19.1% from 18.5% FY24.
- Foreign Exchange Reserves: India's foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 696 billion as of July 2025, covering over 11 months of goods imports and 95% of external debt.
What are the Factors Affecting the Indian Economy at Present?
- Global Headwinds:
- Geopolitical and Trade Tensions: Ongoing Iran-Israel tensions and uncertainty around US tariff policies are keeping the global environment unstable.
- Global tariff rates may rise to levels last seen in the 1930s, which could raise India’s import costs and worsen inflation.
- Weak Global Confidence: Consumer and business sentiment remains subdued worldwide, slowing the pace of global recovery.
- This reduces demand for Indian exports, especially in sectors like manufacturing and IT services.
- Sticky Global Inflation: Inflation has increased in advanced economies and remains elevated in emerging markets like Brazil and Russia.
- This may lead to tighter global monetary policy, which can restrict foreign capital flows into India and increase borrowing costs.
- Domestic Activity:
- Industrial Slowdown: Growth in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) fell to 1.2% in May 2025, the lowest since August 2024.
- This hampers job creation and weakens momentum in industrial and manufacturing sectors.
- Drop in Credit Growth: Bank credit to Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and industry declined.
- NBFC loan disbursals dropped 13% year-on-year in the September 2024 quarter. Urban loan sanctions fell 23%, and long-term loans dropped by 50%.
- Loans against securities and education loans also saw sharp declines. This curbs business investment and slows economic expansion.
- Slower GST Revenue Growth: Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections grew by only about 6% in June 2025, the slowest pace in four years.
- This suggests weakening demand, a cautious business sentiment, and adds pressure on government finances.
- Labour Market Strain: While unemployment remained steady at 5.6% in June 2025, rural labour force participation declined due to the agricultural lean season and extreme heat.
- This signals stress in rural employment, which can hurt rural consumption and overall demand.
- State Finances: States face rising subsidy burdens from loan waivers and free services, which strain finances and divert funds from infrastructure.
Way Forward
- Fast-track Trade Deals: Expedite FTAs with key partners like the US to cushion against tariff hikes and open new markets.
- Invest in export infrastructure, port efficiency, and quality certification to help Indian goods compete globally.
- Boost Rural Demand and Job Creation: Expand rural employment programs during lean agricultural seasons and heatwaves.
- Shift focus from just transfers to rural skilling and non-farm livelihood support, especially for youth and women. Improve irrigation, cold storage, and market linkages to make farming more resilient.
- Maintain Macro Stability While Supporting Growth: Control inflation through supply-side steps while sticking to the fiscal glide path.
- Keep policies stable and investor-friendly to ensure capital flows. Use forex reserves to support essential imports like energy and tech.
Conclusion
India needs disciplined, steady, and state-led execution. Balancing welfare with investment, and exports with domestic demand, will be key to turning current challenges into a long-term growth opportunity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight? (2015)
(a) Coal production
(b) Electricity generation
(c) Fertilizer production
(d) Steel production
Ans: (b)
Q. Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if: (2018)
(a) Industrial output fails to keep pace with agricultural output.
(b) Agricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output
(c) Poverty and unemployment increase.
(d) Imports grow faster than exports.
Ans: (c)
Q. In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because: (2019)
(a) Poverty rates vary from State to State
(b) Price levels vary from State to State
(c) Gross State Product varies from State to State
(d) Quality of public distribution varies from State to State
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Do you agree that Indian economy has recently experienced V–shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of their answer. (2021)
Q. Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (2019)
Q. “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product(GDP) in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes in Industrial Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (2017)
Promoting Foreign Universities in India
28-06-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The entry of foreign universities into India marks a significant shift in the country’s higher education landscape. Encouraged by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the UGC (FHEI) Regulations, 2023, this presents both opportunities and challenges for India’s education ecosystem.
- While it offers opportunities for global integration and academic excellence, it also raises concerns about equity, access, affordability, inclusivity, and alignment with national priorities.
Note
- India is also expanding its global presence, with IIT Madras opening a campus in Zanzibar and IIT Delhi establishing one in Abu Dhabi.
University Grants Commission (UGC)
- UGC is a statutory body in India established in 1953 to coordinate, determine, and maintain standards of higher education.
- It was created by the Indian government through the UGC Act of 1956. The UGC's main functions include providing recognition to universities, disbursing funds, and advising the government on matters related to higher education.
- The UGC headquarters is located in New Delhi.
What is Driving the Entry of Foreign Universities into India's Higher Education Sector?
- India’s Demographic & Economic Potential: With over 50% of the population under the age of 30 and a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education just under 30%, India offers a vast untapped higher education market.
- Rising incomes, a growing middle class, English proficiency, and increasing aspirations for international education make India an attractive destination for foreign universities.
- Global Push for Diversification: Universities in the UK, Australia, and Canada, where international students comprise approximately one third of total enrolments are facing stagnating domestic enrolments and declining public funding.
- Recent visa restrictions and enrolment caps in these countries have pushed institutions to explore new, high-potential markets like India to sustain growth.
- Revenue Diversification & Global Footprint: Setting up campuses in India (e.g., GIFT City, Navi Mumbai) allows foreign universities to diversify revenue, reduce dependency on outbound mobility, and offer affordable international degrees while expanding global visibility.
- Collaboration with Indian Institutions: India already hosts globally ranked institutions (e.g., IIT Bombay, IISc Bangalore, Delhi University).
- Foreign universities can partner with these colleges to open joint campuses, using existing infrastructure instead of building from scratch. This model ensures faster entry, lower investment, and strengthens academic collaboration.
- Eg: Deakin University (Australia) has partnered with IIM Bangalore prior to launching its campus in GIFT City.
What are the Benefits for India from Foreign Universities Entering its Higher Education Sector?
- Global Education Access: Foreign universities offer internationally benchmarked curricula, globally recognised degrees, and experienced faculty within India.
- This allows students to access high-quality education without the burden of high overseas costs, visa hurdles, and living expenses, thereby promoting affordability and educational inclusion.
- Brain Drain and Forex Retention: India saw a rise in outbound students from 5.8 lakh in 2019 to 9 lakh in 2023, with over 75% intending to settle abroad.
- Domestic foreign campuses can provide similar academic value at home, thereby retaining talent and saving significant foreign exchange outflow.
- Research and Academic Reforms: Collaboration with foreign universities can promote joint research centres, faculty exchanges, and governance reforms, enhancing academic standards, boosting research output, and strengthening innovation and excellence in Indian HEIs.
- Industry Skills and Employability: Foreign universities offer industry-aligned programs with emphasis on practical learning, internships, and entrepreneurship, helping bridge the skill gap and enhancing the employability of Indian graduates in both domestic and global markets.
- Mutual Facilitation & Strategic Diplomacy: India can negotiate reciprocal facilitation, offering land, regulatory support, and infrastructure assistance, in return for helping Indian institutions establish campuses abroad, particularly in Gulf nations and Europe.
- This would enhance educational diplomacy, promote internationalisation of Indian higher education, and strengthen soft power.
- Positioning India as a Global Education Hub: With 52% of the population under 30, a tech-savvy, English-speaking youth, and strategic location, India is well-positioned to become an international education hub.
- Hosting foreign campuses promotes cross-border education, attracts students from South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, enhances India’s global academic presence, and fosters healthy competition for top HEIs like AIIMS, IIMs, and IITs, paving the way for India’s own Ivy League.
What are the Key Challenges Related to Foreign Universities Campuses in India?
- Affordability and Equity: Foreign branch campuses may charge high tuition fees, making them accessible mainly to the wealthy elite.
- This risks widening socio-economic inequality in higher education, potentially excluding talented students from economically weaker sections, and undermines the NEP 2020 goal of inclusive access to quality education.
- Limited Short-Term Systemic Impact: Though foreign universities are a major reform step, only a few campuses with limited students will open in the near term.
- So, their effect on improving Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and overall education system will be small and gradual.
- Commercialisation & Sustainability Challenges: Foreign institutions may prioritise profit over academic integrity, leading to marketisation of education and potential quality dilution without strong regulation.
- Experiences from China, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf show that low enrolments, high costs, and local misalignment often led to campus closures.
- Regulatory and Infrastructure Barriers: Despite enabling frameworks like the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023, foreign universities may still face challenges related to land acquisition, taxation, labour laws, and infrastructure readiness in general areas.
- However, in designated zones like GIFT City, which offer regulatory exemptions and a more conducive business environment, these barriers are significantly reduced.
- Cultural and Academic Disconnect: Foreign universities may face challenges in adapting to India’s social, linguistic, and cultural context.
- Without effective local integration, through relevant curricula, Indian faculty, and collaboration with local institutions, they risk becoming elitist, isolated campuses, disconnected from India’s educational ecosystem and societal needs.
What Should be the Strategy for Sustainable Collaboration with Foreign Universities in India?
- Ensuring Inclusive Access: To align with NEP 2020, regulations must mandate scholarships and affirmative inclusion measures for students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Financial aid, from either the government or institutions, is essential to promote wider access and uphold social justice in foreign campuses.
- Flexible but Accountable Governance: A tiered and differentiated regulatory model should offer operational ease to top-ranked global institutions while ensuring strict oversight on academic quality, financial transparency, and ethical conduct.
- Foreign universities must remain accountable to Indian laws, student rights, and anti-exploitation norms.
- Collaborative Research & Capacity Building: Foreign universities should engage in shared campuses, MoUs, joint research centres, and faculty development programs with Indian institutions. The UGC must promote such partnerships to enhance innovation, capacity building, and mutual learning.
- The government should encourage foreign–Indian college collaborations where Indian institutions provide infrastructure support and benefit from global visibility, while ensuring better Indianisation of foreign curricula.
- In the long term, India must build its own Ivy League–like institutions with a global presence, as seen in IIT campuses in the Gulf and Africa.
- Local Relevance and Cultural Integration: Foreign universities should align with Indian educational values, linguistic diversity, and student needs by adapting curricula, avoiding replication of home models, and offering context-specific programs that support skill development and the knowledge economy.
Conclusion
The entry of foreign universities holds transformative potential for India’s higher education sector. However, their success will depend on adaptation to local contexts, affordable quality delivery, and collaboration with domestic institutions. With the right regulatory safeguards and visionary policies, this initiative can strengthen India’s position as a global knowledge hub.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with foreign universities establishing campuses in India.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (2012)
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Rural and Urban Local Bodies
- Fifth Schedule
- Sixth Schedule
- Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans- (d)
Mains
Q1. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (2020)
Q2. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021)
RGI Directives on Birth Certificates
28-06-2025
Source: TH
The Registrar General of India (under the Ministry of Home Affairs) has directed all States to ensure birth certificates are issued within 7 days of registration, preferably before discharging newborns from hospitals, especially in government facilities, which account for over 50% of institutional births in India.
- Birth registration: Birth registration in India has increased from 86% (2014) to over 96% (2024).
- Legal Framework for Birth Registration: It is governed by the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969, with no fee if done within 21 days.
- Legal provisions now ensure registration of adopted, orphaned, abandoned, surrendered, and surrogate children, as well as those of single parents or unmarried mothers.
- The 2023 amendment made digital registration mandatory and recognized electronic documents as official.
- Governance Implications: From 1st October 2023, digital birth certificates became the sole proof of date of birth for school admissions, government jobs, marriage registrations, and issuance of driving licenses and passports.
- Global Commitments: It aligns with United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Decade (2014–2024) goal to “Get everyone in the picture” and supports SDG Target 16.9: “By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration.”
Review of Project Elephant
28-06-2025
Source: IE
The Union Environment Ministry reviewed key initiatives under Project Elephant (1992) , highlighting the completion of Phase-I of the synchronized elephant population estimation in Northeastern states.
Key Highlights of Project Elephant Review
- Mortality Mitigation Measures: Railway tracks were surveyed to identify high-risk zones for mitigating elephant-train collisions, which have resulted in 73 elephant deaths between 2019 and 2024.
- Genetic Profiling & Conservation: Created a genetic profile of captive elephants.
- Conflict Management: Regional action plans to prevent human-elephant conflict in Southern and Northeastern India by protecting elephant corridors.
Elephants
- About: Elephants, India's National Heritage Animal, are matriarchal and live in female-led groups.
- As keystone species and ecosystem engineers, they maintain forest health by dispersing seeds and creating water access for other species.
- Species:
- Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
- African Elephants:
- Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
- Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)
- Population in India: Indian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus), a subspecies of Asian elephants, account for around 60% of the global Asian elephant population.
- As per the 2017 census, India hosts approximately 29,964 elephants.
- Karnataka recorded the highest elephant population, followed by Assam and Kerala.
- In terms of protected areas, Sathyamangalam forest division has the highest number of elephants.
- Conservation Status:
- Key Initiatives:

SAMPANN–UMANG Integration
28-01-2026
Source: PIB
The SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) pension management system has been integrated with the UMANG(Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) platform to provide digital access to key pension services for telecom pensioners.
- UMANG operates as a single unified platform under the Digital India initiative, offering Central, State, and Local government services via Android, iOS, and web.
SAMPANN
- About: SAMPANN is a flagship digital pension platform developed and operated by the Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts, dedicated to pension administration and financial management.
- Launched nationally in December 2018, SAMPANN represents a shift from system-centric to pensioner-centric governance by eliminating the need for physical visits.
- Key Feature: The platform digitises the entire pension lifecycle, including case processing, e-Pension Payment Order (PPO) issuance, payment disbursal, accounting, grievance redressal, and reporting.
- Objective of Integration: The initiative aims to enhance ease of access, transparency, and seamless delivery of pension-related information through a unified digital platform.
- This integration ensures round-the-clock availability of essential pension information, reducing dependency on physical offices.
- Core Services Enabled: Pensioners can now retrieve their Pension Payment Order (PPO) number and check Life Certificate (LC) validity status through the UMANG mobile app or web portal.
- DigiLocker Linkage: The integration is supported by DigiLocker connectivity, strengthening secure digital access to pension records and official documents.
Rabies in India
27-12-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
A recent study by One Health has brought renewed attention to rabies in India, highlighting that the country alone accounts for nearly one-third of global rabies deaths, despite the disease being entirely preventable.
Summary
- India accounts for nearly one-third of global rabies deaths, mainly due to dog bites, affecting children and poor communities, despite the disease being fully preventable.
- Deaths persist due to systemic gaps such as delayed treatment, incomplete vaccination, RIG shortages, and weak dog population control, even with national programmes and a One Health approach in place.
What are the Key Findings of the Study on Rabies in India?
- Highest Global Burden: About 20,000 of the 59,000 rabies deaths worldwide each year occur in India, the highest for any single country. It is endemic to India.
- Free-roaming dogs are the main reservoir, with India recording around 20 million dog bites annually.
- Rabies as Disease of Poverty: The majority of victims are poor, marginalised populations living in areas with large numbers of free-roaming dogs and limited access to healthcare.
- Deaths occur not due to lack of medical knowledge, but because of delayed treatment, incomplete vaccination, and non-availability of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG).
- Over 20% of dog-bite victims receive no anti-rabies vaccine (ARV). Nearly half do not complete the full vaccination course, sharply increasing fatality risk.
- Scarce of RIG: RIG is life-saving but scarce, and expensive (Rs 5,000–Rs 20,000), and often unavailable in public hospitals.
- Children are Disproportionately Affected: Around 40% of rabies cases are in children under 15, reflecting exposure and delayed care.
- Dog Population Control Measures: Current Catch–Neuter–Vaccinate–Release strategies have limited impact due to high annual dog population turnover (~40%).
- In 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed States to remove stray dogs from public institutions, triggering debate over feasibility and animal welfare.
- Elimination is Feasible but Unmet: The study concludes that human rabies deaths are entirely preventable, and continued mortality reflects systemic failures in public health delivery, not scientific limitations.
What are the Key Facts About Rabies?
- About: Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, a neurotropic virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which infects the central nervous system.
- Global burden: Rabies is causing about 59,000 deaths annually. Around 40% of victims are children under 15.
- Nature of the disease: Rabies is a viral, zoonotic, neglected tropical disease (NTD).
- It is 100% fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
- Main source of infection: Dogs cause about 99% of human rabies cases through bites and scratches. Other mammals can carry rabies, but human cases from wildlife are rare in most regions.
- Transmission: Spread through saliva via bites, scratches, or contact with broken skin or mucosa. Human-to-human transmission has never been confirmed.
- Prevention and Treatment: Rabies deaths are completely preventable with timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
- PEP includes:
- Immediate wound washing with soap and water (15 minutes)
- A full course of rabies vaccine
- Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) or monoclonal antibodies for severe exposures
- Symptoms: Incubation period usually 2–3 months (can range from one week to one year).
- Two forms: Furious rabies (hydrophobia, hallucinations, hyperactivity, rapid death) & Paralytic rabies (gradual paralysis, often misdiagnosed).
- Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal.
- Economic Impact: Global cost estimated at US$ 8.6 billion per year, including healthcare costs, lost livelihoods, and social trauma. PEP can be financially catastrophic for poor households.
- Most Effective Control Strategy: Mass dog vaccination is the most cost-effective way to prevent human rabies. Culling free-roaming dogs is ineffective.
- Global goal: The World Health Organization and partners aim to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 using a One Health approach that links human health, animal health, and community awareness.
India’s Measures for Rabies Control in India
- National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP): Aims to reduce rabies deaths by strengthening surveillance, prevention, and management of animal bite cases nationwide.
- Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP): Digital platform for real-time reporting and monitoring of animal bites and rabies-related deaths across States and UTs.
- National Health Mission (NHM): Provides financial and operational support to States for vaccines, training, IEC activities, and anti-rabies infrastructure.
- Ensures free availability of life-saving Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) in public health facilities.
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Rabies Activities: Supports awareness generation, laboratory strengthening, and development of guidelines and training material.
- National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonosis: Integrates human and veterinary health systems to improve animal rabies diagnosis and coordinated disease control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is rabies considered a major public health problem in India?
India accounts for about 20,000 of the 59,000 global rabies deaths annually, mainly due to dog bites, delayed treatment, and poor access to vaccines and RIG.
2. Which programme addresses rabies control in India?
The National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) focuses on surveillance, prevention, free treatment, and capacity building under the National Health Mission.
3. What makes rabies almost always fatal?
Once the rabies virus reaches the central nervous system and symptoms appear, the disease is 100% fatal, with no effective cure.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Consider the following diseases: (2014)
- Diphtheria
- Chickenpox
- Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: (2021)
- Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
- Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)

India’s Iconic Bridges
27-12-2025
Source: PIB
India has built numerous bridges that are strategic and economic lifelines, connecting regions, navigating difficult terrains, and demonstrating engineering excellence.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link – MTHL): Longest sea bridge in India, spanning 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km on land.
- Chenab Bridge (1,315 metres): World’s highest railway arch bridge (359 metres above the Chenab River).
- New Pamban Bridge (2.07 km): India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, connecting Rameswaram with the mainland. It has a 72.5-metre vertical lift section, allowing ships to pass without interrupting train movement.
- Dhola–Sadiya Bridge (Bhupen Hazarika Setu, 9.15 km): Connects Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh, providing the first permanent road link between northern Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh. It spans over the Lohit River, a major Brahmaputra tributary.
- Anji Khad Bridge (725 m): India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Line. It spans the Anji River valley, situated 331 metres above the gorge.

Driving Digital Transformation in Gram Panchayats
27-09-2025
For Prelims: Digital India, Gram Panchayats, Bhashini, SVAMITVA, BharatNet, Gram Sabha, eGramSwaraj.
For Mains: Understanding digital initiatives for Panchayats requires a holistic examination of their necessity, socio-economic impact, benefits, implementation challenges, and the necessary corrective measures.
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has launched digital reforms for Gram Panchayats, aligned with Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, to promote transparent, efficient, and inclusive rural governance.
What are the Key Digital Initiatives Related to Gram Panchayats?
- SabhaSaar: Launched in August 2025, SabhaSaar is an AI tool that produces structured minutes of meetings from Gram Sabha and other Panchayat gatherings. Integrated with Bhashini, it supports 14 Indian languages, providing real-time, accurate, and unbiased records.
- SVAMITVA: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas Scheme grants rural households legal ownership papers for their homes and land facilitating bank loans, dispute resolution, and asset utilisation.
- As of August 2025, under the SVAMITVA Scheme, 2.63 crore property cards have been issued across 1.73 lakh villages.
- BharatNet: BharatNet aims to deliver broadband via Wi-Fi hotspots, Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections, and other services, with over 13 lakh FTTH connections commissioned so far.
- eGramSwaraj: This comprehensive application integrates core Panchayat functions like planning, budgeting, accounting, monitoring, reporting, asset management, and online payments, serving over 2.7 lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions across 28 States and 6 UTs.

- Meri Panchayat App: The Meri Panchayat App functions as an integrated mobile governance platform, promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in Panchayat affairs. It serves over 25 lakh elected representatives and nearly 95 crore rural residents across 2.65 lakh Gram Panchayats.
- Panchayat NIRNAY: The portal schedules meetings, notifies citizens of agendas, records Gram Sabha decisions, and replaces paper-based processes with automated workflow.
- Gram Manchitra: Gram Manchitra provides a unified digital map to visualise developmental works, align them with the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), identify project sites, track assets, estimate costs, and assess impacts.
How do Digital Initiatives Enhance the Functioning of Panchayats?
- Clarity in Governance: Citizens can instantly view panchayat finances, and project statuses on mobile phones, while AI-generated meeting summaries provide impartial records, fostering public trust.
- Administrative Productivity: Automation of minute-taking and report generation allows officials to concentrate on implementation of projects and problem-solving, while unified systems streamline planning, fund allocation, and expenditure tracking.
- Inclusivity: Platforms like Bhashini support multiple Indian languages, ensuring rural communities across diverse regions are included in the digital governance framework.
- Digital Inclusion: BharatNet provides high-speed internet, enabling e-governance, e-health, e-education, and e-commerce services in villages, bridging the digital divide and bringing rural India closer to urban connectivity standards.
- Data-Driven Development: Geographic Information System (GIS) technology visualizes village assets and terrain on a digital map, supporting data-driven resource allocation and informed decisions on locating new infrastructure like roads or water sources for maximum impact.
What Factors Limit the Effectiveness of Digital Reforms in Panchayati Raj Institutions?
- Infrastructure Deficit: Despite BharatNet, remote Panchayats face slow internet, frequent power outages, inadequate hardware (computers, printers), and limited broadband infrastructure, restricting the use of online services like eGramSwaraj.
- Digital Literacy Gap: A significant portion of rural residents and elected representatives lack basic digital skills, limiting effective use of apps like Meri Panchayat. Inadequate training for Panchayat secretaries and officials on complex platforms leads to errors or non-use.
- Linguistic and Cultural Barriers: Language diversity and lack of support for local dialects may limit accessibility despite multi-language tools. Low awareness and resistance to change due to reliance on traditional methods hinder adoption of digital tools.
- Implementation Hurdles: The effectiveness of Gram Manchitra relies on accurate data; outdated or incorrect input leads to flawed planning.
- Lack of local technical support threatens maintenance and sustainability, while overlapping and siloed systems increase workload and cause frustration.
- Gender Digital Divide: Women in rural areas face lower literacy and limited phone access, leading to a gender digital divide.
How can Digital Governance Initiatives be Improved at the Panchayat Level?
- Ensuring Reliable Access: Augment BharatNet with last-mile Wi-Fi hotspots or broadband kiosks set up by local entrepreneurs. Provide solar backup in Panchayat offices. Standardize hardware with functional computers, printers, scanners, and dedicated internet.
- Deepening Capacity Building: Establish Digital Sathis — trained local youth providing on-ground support. Develop vernacular, video-based training for apps like eGramSwaraj and Meri Panchayat.
- Incentivize usage by linking timely platform use to performance-based rewards or faster fund disbursals.
- Enhancing User Experience: Create a unified login portal (e.g., Digital Panchayat Dashboard) for apps like eGramSwaraj, Gram Manchitra etc with simplified interfaces featuring intuitive, icon-based designs.
- Fostering Participatory Governance: Establish women-operated digital literacy centres and self-help groups to use apps like Meri Panchayat.
- Add offline and voice-based features like IVR (Interactive Voice Response) to enable data access and grievance reporting despite internet or literacy limitations.
- Support and Monitoring Framework: Set up a Panchayat IT Helpdesk with a toll-free helpline for real-time technical support, and prioritise quality of use via dashboard analytics over mere adoption.
Conclusion
Digital initiatives are transforming rural governance by improving transparency and efficiency. Focusing on robust infrastructure, continuous capacity building, and inclusive design can bridge the digital divide and empower Panchayati Raj Institutions.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. "Digital tools for Panchayati Raj Institutions promise transformative governance but face significant implementation challenges." Critically examine this statement in the Indian context.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in (2017)
(a) Federalism
(b) Democratic decentralisation
(c) Administrative delegation
(d) Direct democracy
Ans: (b)
Q. The fundamental object of the Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? (2015)
- People’s participation in development
- Political accountability
- Democratic decentralization
- Financial mobilization
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q1. To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (2022)
Q2. Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources can the Panchayats look out for financing developmental projects? (2018)

WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
27-09-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
India is in the process of ratifying the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, positioning itself as a strong voice for sustainable fishing practices and the protection of small-scale fishers.
- The move comes amid global efforts to curb harmful subsidies that drive overfishing and threaten marine biodiversity.
What is the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?
- About: The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a binding multilateral agreement, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and fair trade in global fisheries.
- It is the first WTO agreement focused on ocean governance and protecting marine resources. The agreement was adopted at WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022 , under the Geneva Package; it entered into force in September 2025 after two-thirds of WTO members deposited their acceptance instruments.
- Key Objectives: Prohibit subsidies that contribute to overfishing, overcapacity, and depletion of fish stocks.
- Safeguard the livelihoods of millions dependent on fisheries for nutrition and income.
- Provide a level playing field by disciplining subsidies that distort competition.
- Key Features:
- Subsidy Prohibitions: Prohibits government support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fishing of overfished stocks, and fishing on unregulated high seas.
- Transparency Mechanism: WTO members must notify their subsidies and fishing activities for monitoring.
- Implementation Support: The WTO Fish Fund was established to aid developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by providing technical support and funding.
- Committee on Fisheries Subsidies: Provides a forum for regular dialogue, compliance review, and technical assistance.
What is India’s Stance on WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?
- Protection for Small Fishers: India seeks policy space and exemptions to safeguard livelihoods of small-scale and artisanal fishers. India advocates for precise and effective Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT), including a 25-year transition period for developing countries and LDCs, compared to 5–7 years proposed by developed nations.
- Per Capita Subsidy Basis: India proposes that subsidy disciplines be calculated per fisher, not on total subsidy amounts, highlighting the disparity between high subsidies in developed countries (USD 76,000 per fisher) versus India (USD 35 per fisher).
- Stricter Rules for Historical Subsidisers: Calls for stricter rules targeting countries that have historically given high subsidies contributing to overfishing, while protecting nations with low-impact fisheries.
- Sustainability Focus: Emphasizes that rules should not penalize nations working toward sustainable fishing and should support long-term marine conservation.
What are India’s Initiatives and Schemes to Promote Sustainable Fisheries?
- Blue Revolution Scheme (2015-16): Focused on increasing fish production and productivity through aquaculture and marine fisheries development.
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY, 2020): PMMSY aimed at transforming the fisheries sector by enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable practices.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF, 2018-19): Provides financial support for infrastructure development in marine and inland fisheries.
- National Policy on Marine Fisheries (NPMF, 2017): Ensures sustainable marine resource management and conservation of fish stocks.
- State Specific Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRA): States like Maharashtra, Kerala regulate fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including fishing bans and the prohibition of destructive practices.
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE): Provides education and research in sustainable fish farming and aquaculture practices.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and ‘Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the (2015)
(a) Food and Agriculture Organization
(b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) United Nations Environment Programme
Ans: (c)
Mains:
Q. WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. (2014)

National Initiative on Water Security
27-09-2025
Source:PIB
The Union Government has launched the National Initiative on Water Security under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, prioritizing water conservation across rural India
- National Initiative on Water Security: It aims to address depleting groundwater levels and ensure long-term rural water security. To implement this, the MGNREGA Act, 2005, was amended to make water conservation works mandatory by allocating funds, providing a statutory backing to the initiative.
- In ‘over-exploited’ blocks, 65% of MGNREGA funds will be used for water-related works.
- In ‘semi-critical’ blocks, 40% of MGNREGA funds will be spent on water conservation.
- Even in blocks without water scarcity, at least 30% of funds will go towards water-related works.
- It shifts focus from ad hoc water works to systematic water security planning, and reflects India’s commitment to water conservation through campaigns like ‘Catch the Rain’ and ‘Amrit Sarovars’.
- Achievements of MGNREGA in Water Conservation: MGNREGA has become the world’s largest social welfare program, creating over 1.25 crore water conservation assets like farm ponds and check dams.
- These efforts have reduced water stress in rural areas. Under Mission Amrit Sarovar, more than 68,000 reservoirs were constructed or rejuvenated in the first phase.

India - Eurasian Economic Union FTA Negotiations
27-08-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a move that comes after stalled trade talks with the United States and rising US tariff threats.
What is Eurasian Economic Union?
- Nature: EAEU is an international organization for regional economic integration with international legal personality.
- Establishment: EAEU was established via the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (entered into force in 2015).
- Member States: Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation.
- Headquarters: Moscow, Russia.
- Objectives: The EAEU ensures free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor, promotes coordinated policies, modernizes member economies, enhances competitiveness, and supports stable development to raise living standards.

What is the Significance of EAEU to India?
- Market Access: An EAEU FTA gives India access to a USD 6.5 trillion market, expands exports in textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and electronics, enhances competitiveness against non-market economies, and creates new opportunities for India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Trade Diversification: Partnership with the EAEU helps India reduce dependence on the US and EU markets, especially amid tariff disputes.
- It will strengthen the India–EAEU economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching USD 69 billion in 2024, up 7% from 2023.
- Energy Security: The EAEU offers abundant natural resources and energy vital for India’s growth.
- Through the EAEU, India can secure long-term energy cooperation, with Russia already supplying 35–40% of India’s crude oil imports.
- Connectivity Boost: Cooperation with the EAEU complements International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chennai–Vladivostok Corridor, reducing logistics costs and transit time.
What are the Challenges in India- EAEU Engagement?
- High Trade Deficit with Russia: India’s trade deficit with Russia (the largest member of the EAEU) has surged from USD 6.6 billion in 2021 to USD 58.9 billion in 2024–25, driven largely by hydrocarbon imports.
- Geopolitical Sensitivity: A Russia-led trade deal may alarm North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Western allies, requiring careful strategic balancing.
- Deepening trade with Russia carries geopolitical risks due to US and EU sanctions over Ukraine, while rising imports could further escalate pressure from US tariffs, which are currently at 50% on Indian goods.
- Domestic Industry Concerns: Cheap imports from Russia and other EAEU countries (oil, metals, etc.) may threaten Indian producers, requiring safeguards or quotas.
- Low FTA Utilization: India’s FTA utilization is low at around 25%, far below the 70–80% seen in developed countries, reflecting underuse of its trade agreements.
- Non-Tariff Barriers: These include bureaucratic delays, complex customs procedures, and regulatory issues that can hinder the free flow of goods and services.
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards: Indian agricultural exports often face difficulties due to the strict sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards imposed by the EAEU countries, making it harder for Indian products to meet market entry requirements.
- Dependency on Dollar: Trade between India and the EAEU still relies heavily on the US dollar, creating uncertainty due to currency fluctuations. Efforts to use the rupee-ruble mechanism are still limited and lack liquidity.
- The absence of efficient cross-border payment systems, especially with Russia under sanctions, increases financial complexities and transaction costs.
How can India–EAEU Engagement Be Strengthened?
- Programme of Economic Cooperation: Finalize and implement the 2025–2030 Programme of Economic Cooperation with Russia and extend it to all EAEU members to strengthen ties in energy, agriculture, industry, education, and culture.
- Diversify Export Mix: Expand into pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, machinery, and services to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.
- Financial Mechanism Innovations: Scale up use of local currencies (rupee, ruble). Develop and standardize Local Currency Settlement (LCS) frameworks supported by sufficient liquidity, to reduce dependency on USD.
- Multilateral Economic Outreach: Engage with BRICS, and revive RIC (Russia‑India‑China), and other regional blocs to broaden trade alliances and diversify supply chains.
- Boost Connectivity: Enhance logistics via the INSTC, Northern Sea Route, and Chennai–Vladivostok Corridor.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Evaluate the strategic and economic significance of India’s engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in the current geopolitical scenario.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)
(a) Japan
(b) Russia
(c) The United Kingdom
(d) The United States of America
Ans: (b)
Q. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as(2016)
(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO
(d) SAARC
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements: (2016)
- It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.
- It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. ( 2020)
SHGs in India
27-06-2025
For Prelims: Lakhpati Didi Initiative, PM SVANidhi, MGNREGA, Panchayati Raj Institutions, SDGs, MUDRA, Government e Marketplace, SHG-Bank Linkage Programme, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
For Mains: Role of SHGs and Lakhpati Didi initiative in women empowerment, Significance and challenges associated with SHGs, Steps needed to improve the working of SHGs.
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed an MoU to strengthen the Lakhpati Didi initiative by empowering rural women from Self Help Groups (SHGs).
- The MoU aims to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis and future Millionaire Didis by aligning rural aspirations with institutional skills, offering customized training in emerging sectors, and formal certification.
What is the Lakhpati Didi Initiative?
- About Lakhpati Didi: A Lakhpati Didi is an SHG member earning Rs 1 lakh or more annually through sustainable livelihood activities. It is an outcome of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development, not a separate scheme.
- As of June 2024, 1 crore Lakhpati Didis have been created. The Interim Budget 2024–25 raised the target from 2 crore to 3 crore women.
- Key Objectives: It aims to empower rural women through sustainable income generation, promote diversified livelihoods (agriculture, handicrafts, services, etc.), and transform SHG women into role models of economic self-reliance.
- Income must be sustained over at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles, i.e., Rs 10,000+ per month on average.
- Implementation Strategy:
- Diversified Livelihoods: Focus on agriculture, allied sectors, services, and small enterprises for multiple income sources.
- Digital Tools & Training: Community Resource Persons (CRPs) use digital tools to guide SHGs in livelihood planning supported by structured skilling programs in financial literacy, market access, and compliance.
- 4-Pillar Support System:
- Assets: tools, equipment, and infrastructure.
- Skills: training and hands-on knowledge.
- Finance: easy bank linkage and access to government schemes.
- Market Access: branding, packaging, e-commerce, and marketing support.
- Convergence & Partnerships: Collaboration with government schemes (like Skill India, PM SVANidhi, MGNREGA) and the private sector ensures technical, financial, and institutional support to scale up efforts.
What are Key Facts About Self Help Groups (SHGs)?
- About SHGs: SHGs are informal collectives of 10–20 members, primarily women, formed to tackle shared challenges and enhance their economic well-being.
- Kudumbashree in Kerala, Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal in Maharashtra, and Looms of Ladakh are a few examples of success stories from SHGs.
- Evolution: The SHG concept originated from the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, founded in 1975 by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, offering collateral-free microloans based on trust and social capital, mainly benefiting women.
- Functioning of SHGs:
- Creation and Meetings: SHGs are formed within communities with support from NGOs or government agencies, and members meet regularly to discuss issues, manage savings, and handle loans.
- Savings and Financing: Members regularly pool savings into a group fund, which is used for internal lending to support needs like businesses, medical emergencies, or education.
- Operational Planning: Decisions on savings, loans, and activities are made collectively, with one member handling record-keeping of finances and meetings.
- Bank Linkage: SHGs build bank linkages to access larger loans and services, supported by government schemes, while their savings and repayment history enhance creditworthiness.
- Training and Support: SHGs receive training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and other skills from NGOs, government agencies, or banks.
- SHGs in India: As of June 2025, 10 crore women are part of 91 lakh SHGs. By February 2023, 8.9 million SHGs had availed loans worth Rs 2.54 lakh crore, and in 2023–24 (till Feb 2024), loans worth Rs 1.7 lakh crore were disbursed.
- As per the Economic Survey 2022–23, SHGs maintain a loan repayment rate of over 96%, highlighting their credit discipline and reliability.
Why Are SHGs Important for Community Development and Women's Empowerment?
- Women’s Empowerment: SHGs, predominantly female-led, promote financial independence, decision-making, and leadership skills among women.
- SHGs boost social status, confidence, and political participation, with many members becoming Sarpanch/Pradhan, while acting as pressure groups to ensure Gram Panchayat accountability.
- SHGs ensure employment, foster economic independence, and improve bank access, empowering women in decision-making and in tackling dowry, domestic violence, and alcoholism.
- Financial Inclusion: SHGs help marginalized communities, especially women, access formal banking services, promote savings, and offer small loans at reasonable interest rates, reducing reliance on moneylenders.
- Social Upliftment & Poverty Alleviation: SHGs raise awareness about health, education, and government schemes, and address social issues like child marriage, domestic violence, and sanitation.
- Through microloans, they support income-generating activities like small businesses and farming, helping break the cycle of poverty by promoting self-employment.
- Strengthening Rural Economy: SHGs promote local entrepreneurship and agriculture-based livelihoods, enhance market linkages and bargaining power, and encourage unity and collective action for community welfare (e.g., roads, schools).
- Sustainable Development & Governance: SHGs promote eco-friendly practices like organic farming and waste management, and support SDGs such as No Poverty (SDG 1), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8).
- Government programs like NRLM use SHGs for effective delivery of subsidies and welfare benefits, while banks offer loans to SHGs under priority sector lending.
What are the Major Challenges Faced by SHGs?
- Financial Challenges: Limited access to credit due to lack of collateral or proper documentation hinders many SHGs from securing bank loans.
- Some face challenges like high dependence on subsidies, irregular savings, and repayment issues, leading to fund shortages and loan defaults.
- Managerial & Operational Issues: Many SHGs face challenges like lack of professional management (poor accounting, record-keeping, and governance), inefficient leadership causing conflicts and fund mismanagement, and overdependence on a few members, limiting overall effectiveness.
- Social & Cultural Barriers: Gender inequality in some regions limits women’s participation in SHGs due to male dominance while caste and class divisions create internal conflicts, reducing group cohesion.
- A lack of awareness about rights, government schemes, and financial literacy hampers member empowerment.
- Policy-Related Issues: Delayed bank linkages due to bureaucratic hurdles, political interference from local leaders, and inadequate government support with implementation gaps in schemes like NRLM hinder SHG operations and autonomy.
- Sustainability Concerns: SHGs face challenges like limited market linkages, lack of business skills, and competition from large businesses, which reduce profitability and hamper income-generating activities.
- Additional issues include high dropout rates due to migration or financial stress, and a lack of innovation in adapting beyond traditional activities.
What Steps can be Taken to Improve the Working of SHGs?
- Strengthening Financial Support: Ensure easy credit access by simplifying SHG-Bank Linkage procedures and encouraging collateral-free, low-interest loans.
- Link SHGs with schemes like NRLM and MUDRA, and promote revolving funds. Introduce micro-insurance for health, crops, and life to mitigate risks.
- Enhancing Income Opportunities: Promote SHG products on e-commerce platforms like Government e Marketplace (GeM), Amazon, and Flipkart; support branding and packaging; and ensure fair pricing through SHG-run stores, exhibitions, and supermarket tie-ups.
- Corporate-SHG Linkages: Form corporate-SHG alliances (e.g., Google’s Women Will) to provide mentorship, technology, and market access, and mobilize Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for capacity building and infrastructure development.
- Policy & Government Interventions: Ensure timely subsidy disbursement, promote SHG federation into clusters for greater bargaining power, and offer GST exemptions or subsidies for SHG products.
- Social Empowerment & Inclusivity: Promote gender sensitivity through workshops, ensure inclusion of marginalized groups (SC/ST, landless, disabled), and collaborate with NGOs to raise awareness on sanitation, maternal health, and child education.
- Reducing Regional Disparities: Launch targeted programs to expand SHGs in underserved regions (especially Northern and Eastern India) and offer policy incentives for financial institutions and development organizations to boost engagement.
SHG-Bank Linkage Programme
- About: SHG-Bank Linkage Programme (SHG-BLP) is a flagship initiative launched by NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) in 1992 to connect SHGs with formal banking systems.
- Objective: It aims to promote financial inclusion for the rural poor, especially women, by linking SHGs with banks for savings, credit, and other financial services, reducing reliance on high-interest informal moneylenders.
- Working: SHGs open bank savings accounts and, after 6 months of regular savings, become eligible for collateral-free loans at reasonable interest rates.
- Models of Linkage:
- Model I: Banks directly form, manage, and finance SHGs, handling savings and loan disbursement.
- Model II: SHGs are formed by NGOs or agencies, but financed directly by banks; these agencies also provide training and support.
- Model III: NGOs act as financial intermediaries, forming SHGs and linking them to banks, especially in areas with limited banking access.
- Loan Types: Loan types include microcredit for income generation, revolving funds as seed money (e.g., under NRLM), and term loans for scaling up SHG enterprises.
Conclusion
The Lakhpati Didi Initiative and SHG movement are transforming rural India by empowering women economically and socially. While challenges like financial access and market linkages persist, strategic interventions in skilling, credit access, and policy support can amplify their impact, making SHGs pivotal to achieving inclusive growth and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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Drishti Mains Question:
What are the key challenges faced by SHGs in India? Suggest policy measures to enhance their sustainability and scalability.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. How does the National Rural Livelihood Mission seek to improve livelihood options of rural poor? (2012)
- By setting up a large number of new manufacturing industries and agribusiness centres in rural areas
- By strengthening ‘self-help groups’ and providing skill development
- By supplying seeds, fertilizers, diesel pump-sets and micro-irrigation equipment free of cost to farmers
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (2023)
Q. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (2021)
Q. “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of the Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (2020)
Q. “The emergence of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the State from developmental activities”. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (2017)
Q. The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate. (2015)
MSDE–WEF India Skills Accelerator
27-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to strengthen India’s skills and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem.
- Under the MoU, the partners will launch a Skills Accelerator in India to scale innovative solutions and address emerging skill gaps.
What is the MSDE- WEF India Skills Accelerator?
- About: It is a multistakeholder platform that brings together government, industry, academia, and global institutions to address current and emerging skill gaps in India’s workforce.
- Objectives: The Accelerator aims to align skilling initiatives with evolving industry and global labour-market needs while scaling innovative skilling models and strengthening public–private partnerships.
- It will support flexible, industry-linked curricula, integrate vocational and higher education pathways, enable mutual recognition of qualifications, and promote innovative, outcome-based financing for skilling.
- Importance: By strengthening the TVET ecosystem, the initiative enhances global employability of Indian youth and helps convert India’s demographic advantage into a skilled, future-ready workforce.
- It complements the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by integrating vocational education with general education and fostering lifelong learning.
- The initiative is positioned as a central pillar for Viksit Bharat @2047, aiming to convert India’s demographic advantage (over 500 million people under 25) into economic leadership.
What are the Key Initiatives Driving India’s TVET Landscape?
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Scheme/ Programme
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Target Group
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Key Features / Objectives
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Skill India Mission (SIM)
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Youth across India
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- Implemented by MSDE to provide skill, re-skill, and up-skill training- delivered through a nationwide network of training centres, institutes, and digital platforms
- SIM aims to make youth future-ready and industry-ready
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Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
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Youth, including rural population
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- PMKVY Phase 4 (2022-26) emphasizes short-term training, reskilling, and upskilling through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- It focuses on employability-oriented skills.
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Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)
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Non-literates, neo-literates, school dropouts (15–45 years)
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- Vocational skills for socially and economically disadvantaged groups- priority is given to women, SC, ST, OBC, minorities with special provisions for Divyangjan
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National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
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Apprentices and industrial establishments
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- Promotes apprenticeship training by providing financial support to establishments under the Apprentices Act, 1961, combining basic training with on-the-job workplace training.
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Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS)
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Youth seeking long-term vocational training
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- Implemented through ITIs across India in multiple economic sectors.
- It aims to create an industry-ready skilled workforce and promote youth self-employment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the India Skills Accelerator?
It is a multistakeholder platform under the MSDE–WEF partnership to address present and future skill gaps through industry-aligned skilling models.
2. What are the key objectives of the MSDE–WEF MoU?
To align skilling with global labour-market needs, strengthen public–private partnerships, and scale innovative TVET solutions.
3. How does the initiative support NEP 2020?
It integrates vocational education with general and higher education, promotes flexible curricula, and encourages lifelong learning.
4. Why is the Skills Accelerator significant for India’s demographic dividend?
It enhances employability of over 500 million youth under 25 by creating a future-ready, globally competitive workforce.
5. Which major schemes form the backbone of India’s TVET landscape?
Skill India Mission, PMKVY, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, and Craftsmen Training Scheme.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
1. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: (2018)
- It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, and financial and digital literacy.
- It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Reservation for Agniveers in CAPFs
26-12-2025
Source:TH
The Union Home Ministry has decided to increase reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C posts of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) from 10% to 50%, marking a major policy shift under the Agnipath scheme.
- Ex-Agniveers will be exempted from Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET). However, they must appear for written examinations like other candidates.
Agnipath Scheme
- About: Launched in June 2022, is a short-term military recruitment programme. Recruits under this scheme are called Agniveers, and the objective is to maintain a young, agile, and technology-oriented force while optimising defence personnel expenditure.
- Eligibility conditions: Applicants must be Indian citizens and meet prescribed educational, physical, and medical standards of the respective service.
- The age limit was 17.5–23 years for the 2022 intake, and 17.5–21 years for subsequent intakes, reflecting the scheme’s focus on youth induction.
- Nature of Recruitment: Agniveers are enrolled for a fixed tenure of four years. They will be recruited as personnel below officer (PBOR) rank in the army, air force and navy for four years, including six months of training.
- Post-service Exit and Permanent Absorption: Up to 25% of each Agniveer batch may be absorbed into the regular cadre based on performance, without any right to selection, while the remaining personnel receive skill certification to support post-service employability.
- Pay structure and Seva Nidhi Benefits: Agniveers earn Rs 30,000–Rs 40,000 per month over four years, contribute 30% of pay to a Agniveer Corpus Fund matched by the government, and receive a tax-free Seva Nidhi package of about Rs 11.71 lakh on exit, with no pension or gratuity.
- Rs 48 lakh non-contributory life insurance cover is provided during service.

Shrinking Clusters of India’s Exports
26-12-2025
Source:TH
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024–25 shows that India’s export growth is increasingly concentrated in a few States, raising concerns that exports may now reflect existing regional advantages rather than driving broad-based development.
Summary
- Nearly 70% of India’s exports come from five States, indicating a core–periphery pattern where coastal regions integrate into global trade while large hinterland areas are left out.
- Capital-intensive export growth has weakened the export–employment link, with manufacturing jobs stuck at 11.6–12% despite rising export values.
What does the RBI Reveal About India’s Export Structure?
- Concentrated in Just a Few States: Nearly 70% of India’s exports now come from just five States: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Five years ago, this share was about 65%, showing a clear rise in concentration.
- Core-Periphery Pattern: The export engine is being powered by a shrinking cluster of states, leading to an increasingly lopsided export geography.
- Coastal belts in the south and west are integrating tightly into global supply chains, while the demographic heartlands of the north and east are effectively "decoupling" from India's trade engine.
- Rising Market Concentration: The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for India's exports is increasing, signaling a rise in market concentration and a top-heavy export structure.
- The lagging regions are not catching up, further deepening this divide.
India’s Export Landscape
- India’s exports hit a record USD 825.25 billion in 2024–25 and rose to USD 418.91 billion in April–September 2025, the highest-ever first-half performance, driven mainly by strong services exports and resilient non-petroleum merchandise exports.
- Key sectors such as electronics, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, marine products and rice, along with robust demand from the USA, UAE, China, Spain and Hong Kong, sustained this momentum, as India targets US$ 2 trillion in total exports by 2030.
- Overall, India's global export share grew from 1.2% in 2005 to 2.4% in 2023.
What are the Challenges Arising from Concentration of Exports in a Few States?
- Breakdown of the Export–employment Link: Export expansion no longer translates into mass industrial employment.
- Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) 2022–23 data shows fixed capital investment growing by about 10.6%, while employment increased by only 7.4%, indicating capital deepening.
- With fixed capital per worker rising to Rs 23.6 lakh, factories are becoming more capital-intensive and less labour-absorbing, meaning exports increasingly generate value without creating proportional employment, weakening their traditional role in driving structural transformation.
- Manufacturing’s share in total employment has stagnated at 11.6 - 12% despite record exports, indicating that export growth is concentrated in capital-intensive hubs rather than creating jobs in labour-surplus hinterland States.
- Spatial Lock-in of High-growth Export Sectors: Under the PLI scheme, electronics exports grew by over 47% year-on-year, yet remain concentrated in specific districts such as Kancheepuram and Noida.
- The complexity and logistics precision required by these supply chains prevent their diffusion to less-developed regions, reinforcing export concentration.
- Financial Drain from Poorer States: RBI data on Credit–Deposit (CD) ratios reveals a stark divide. Export powerhouses like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh record CD ratios above 90%, indicating strong recycling of local savings into local industry.
- In contrast, Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh have CD ratios below 50%, showing that savings mobilised in poorer States are lent out to industrialised coastal regions, creating a perverse capital outflow.
- The failure of the hinterland to converge with growth centres reflects weak state capacity and shallow financial depth, reinforcing regional inequality.
- Weak State and Human Capital Deficits: Low-export States suffer from persistent deficits in skills, health, infrastructure, and institutional capacity.
- These constraints limit their ability to participate in high-complexity global value chains, making it difficult for them to upgrade their export baskets or attract global capital, and thereby perpetuating regional divergence.
- Vulnerability to Global Trade Slowdown: The global window for low-skill, labour-intensive industrialisation used by countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam to integrate into world trade is rapidly closing.
- Global capital is no longer chasing just low-cost labor (the hinterland's advantage). It now seeks "high economic complexity", with World Trade Organization (WTO) data indicating merchandise trade volume growth slowing to 0.5–3% and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2023 showing that the top 10 exporters control around 55% of world trade.
- In such a context, India’s reliance on a narrow set of export States increases vulnerability to region-specific shocks.
What Measures can Drive a Sustainable Transformation in India’s Export Sector?
- Strengthen Lagging State Capacity: Use PM Gati Shakti to close infrastructure gaps in low-export States through integrated planning of roads, railways, ports, and logistics.
- Rebalance Export Policy for Employment: Under Export Promotion Mission (EPM), reorient Production Linked Incentive (PLI schemes to include explicit weightage for employment intensity, not just output or investment.
- Encourage labour-absorbing sectors such as textiles, food processing, footwear, and MSME manufacturing alongside high-tech sectors.
- Human Capital Aligned with Export Needs: Align Skill India Mission, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), and Samarth (for textiles) with export-oriented value chains.
- Improve Access to Finance in Low-export States: Address low Credit–Deposit ratios through MUDRA, and Stand-Up India to improve MSME credit flow.
- Use Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and credit guarantees to crowd in private investment in lagging regions.
- Leverage Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) to identify district-specific export potential and reduce over-concentration. Link One District One Product (ODOP) with export facilitation, branding, and global market access.
- Align trade policy with regional convergence: Use Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) and Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) to incentivise firms locating in backward regions.
- Encourage states to develop region-specific export strategies aligned with local capabilities.
- Integrate export assessment with outcomes under Aspirational Districts Programme to track inclusive development.
Conclusion
India’s export growth now mirrors existing regional strengths rather than driving inclusive development. Rising concentration and capital-intensive exports have weakened job creation and regional convergence. Sustainable transformation requires employment-focused, regionally balanced export policies.
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Drishti Mains Question:
“India’s export growth increasingly reflects existing regional strengths rather than driving inclusive development.” Critically examine.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the key export-related finding of the RBI Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024–25?
It shows that nearly 70% of India’s exports originate from five States, up from about 65% five years ago, indicating rising export concentration.
Q. Which States dominate India’s export basket?
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh together account for the majority of India’s exports.
Q. What does the rising Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) indicate in India’s export structure?
An increasing HHI reflects growing market concentration and a more top-heavy export geography, with lagging regions failing to catch up.
Q. Why is export growth not translating into employment generation?
According to ASI 2022–23, fixed capital grew by ~10.6% while employment rose by only ~7.4%, showing capital deepening and declining labour absorption.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q1. Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if (2018)
(a) Industrial output fails to keep pace with agricultural output.
(b) Agricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output.
(c) Poverty and unemployment increase.
(d) Imports grow faster than exports.
Ans: (c)
Q2. The SEZ Act, 2005 which came into effect in February 2006 has certain objectives. In this context, consider the following: (2010)
- Development of infrastructure facilities.
- Promotion of investment from foreign sources.
- Promotion of exports of services only.
Which of the above are the objectives of this Act?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Q3. A “closed economy” is an economy in which (2011)
(a) the money supply is fully controlled
(b) deficit financing takes place
(c) only exports take place
(d) neither exports or imports take place
Ans: (d)
Export Landscape
26-12-2025
Source: ET
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is proactively addressing complaints regarding innovative dark patterns on e-commerce and digital platforms. These are deceptive design techniques that mislead or trick users into unintended actions, such as making purchases or sharing personal data.
What are Dark Patterns?
- Deceptive user‑interface designs that manipulate users into making decisions they might not otherwise make (e.g., hidden charges revealed late, tricky opt‑outs).
- Reflects emerging challenges in consumer protection in the digital economy and the need for regulatory safeguards against unfair practices.
- Common types of Dark Patterns
- False Urgency: Creating artificial time pressure like “Only 2 left!” or “Offer ends in 5 minutes” to force quick decisions.
- Basket Sneaking:Adding extra items or charges to the cart without clear user consent (e.g., insurance, convenience fee).
- Confirm Shaming: Guilt-tripping users into choices using language like “No, I don’t care about saving money”.
- Forced Action: Making users perform unwanted actions (sign-ups, app downloads) to continue using a service.
- Subscription Trap: Easy to subscribe but difficult to cancel; cancellation options are hidden or overly complex.
- Drip Pricing: Revealing additional costs only at the final stage of checkout.
- Hidden Costs / Sneak into Basket: Pre-selected add-ons that users may overlook.
- Bait and Switch: Advertising one option but delivering another after the user clicks.
- Nagging: Repeated pop-ups or prompts pressuring users to make a specific choice.
- Disguised Advertisements: Ads designed to look like genuine content or system notifications.
What is the Regulatory Framework for Dark Patterns in India
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- The primary law governing consumer rights in India, which replaced the 1986 Act to address modern consumer issues including e‑commerce disputes.
- Provides a legal basis for tackling unfair trade practices such as dark patterns and mandates time‑bound disposal of complaints.
- Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
- A statutory body under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 empowered to investigate, enforce, and penalize unfair trade practices.
- Key regulatory authority in curbing deceptive practices like dark patterns and enforcing consumer rights.
- In November 2023, the CCPA issued the “Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023”.
- e‑Jagriti Platform
- A digital grievance redressal system launched in January 2025 allowing consumers to file complaints online, participate in virtual hearings, and track cases in real time.
- Represents the government’s push for digital justice and accessibility in consumer dispute resolution.
What are the Ethical and Economical Implications of Dark Patterns?
- Ethical Implications:
- Violation of consumer autonomy: Dark patterns manipulate user choices, undermining informed and free consent.
- Deception and lack of transparency: They rely on misleading design rather than honest information, breaching ethical business conduct.
- Erosion of trust: Repeated exposure reduces public trust in digital platforms and institutions.
- Exploitation of vulnerable users: Elderly, children, and first-time internet users are disproportionately affected.
- Economic Implications:
- Market distortion: Manipulative practices weaken fair competition by rewarding deceptive firms over ethical ones.
- Hidden financial costs to consumers: Users may incur unwanted subscriptions, fees, or purchases, reducing consumer welfare.
- Long-term business risk: Regulatory penalties and reputational damage increase compliance and legal costs for firms.
- Reduced efficiency of digital markets: When trust declines, user participation and digital adoption may slow down.
Way Forward
- Shift from 'Caveat Emptor' to 'Caveat Venditor' : The traditional "Buyer Beware" philosophy is insufficient in the digital age due to information asymmetry. India must move toward "Seller Beware," where the burden of proof lies with the platform to demonstrate that their UI design is transparent and non-manipulative.
- Implementation of 'Ethics by Design': Regulatory bodies like the CCPA should collaborate with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to mandate "Ethical UI/UX" frameworks.
- Companies should be encouraged to undergo Digital Ethics Audits to ensure their algorithms do not exploit behavioral psychology.
- Strengthening Algorithmic Accountability: As dark patterns are increasingly automated via AI, the Digital India Bill should include provisions for algorithmic transparency.
- Regulators need the technical tools to inspect how "nudges" are personalized to exploit specific user vulnerabilities (e.g., targeting low-income groups with "Drip Pricing").
- Global Regulatory Convergence: India should align its domestic guidelines with international standards like the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and the UK’s Online Safety Act.
- A "Global Code of Conduct" for e-commerce would prevent "Regulatory Arbitrage," where companies follow ethical standards in the West but use deceptive patterns in emerging markets like India.
- Empowering the "Digital Nagarik": While the e-Jagriti platform is a step toward "Digital Justice," it must be complemented by large-scale digital literacy campaigns.
- Consumers should be trained to identify "Confirm Shaming" or "Subscription Traps," turning them from passive users into active "Digital Citizens."
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Programme
26-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme has completed 50 years since its launch as a pilot in Karnataka, one of its earliest adopters, the programme now is the world’s largest community-based early childhood development programme.
What is the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Programme?
- About: The ICDS is a centrally sponsored flagship programme launched on 2nd October 1975, anchored by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) to improve the nutrition, health, and early learning outcomes of children aged 0–6 years, along with pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Objectives: Improve health and nutritional status of children (0–6 years).
- Lay the foundation for psychological, physical, and social development.
- Reduce child mortality, morbidity, malnutrition, and school dropouts.
- Strengthen interdepartmental coordination for child development.
- Services offered under ICDS:

- Significance: ICDS is vital for early childhood development as it tackles malnutrition, improves health outcomes.
- It provides a safety net for pregnant and lactating mothers, reducing mortality and supporting maternal health.
- By integrating nutrition, health, and education services at the community level, it strengthens human capital, reduces inter-generational poverty, and supports women’s participation in the workforce.
Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0
- About: In FY 2021-22, Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 was launched as India’s flagship Integrated Nutrition Support Programme that integrates key child and maternal welfare programmes like ICDS, Poshan Abhiyan, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls, and the National Crèche Scheme.
- Approved for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021–26), it aims to strengthen nutrition, early childhood care, and overall support for women and children.
- Major Verticals:
- Supplementary Nutrition for children (6 months–6 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls (14–18 years) in Aspirational Districts and the Northeast.
- Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) for children aged 3–6, with early stimulation for ages 0–3.
- Upgradation of Anganwadi Infrastructure, including modern Saksham Anganwadi centres.
- Poshan Abhiyaan, the national convergence mission for a malnutrition-free India.
- Special Focus Areas: Improving maternal nutrition and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), alongside introducing treatment protocols for SAM and MAM supported by AYUSH wellness practices.
- The scheme strengthens real-time nutrition monitoring through the Poshan Tracker, and prioritises adolescent girls’ nutrition through the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG), which targets 14–18-year-olds in priority regions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is ICDS?
ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) is a centrally sponsored flagship programme that provides an integrated package — supplementary nutrition, pre-school education, immunisation, health check-ups, referral services and health & nutrition education — for children (0–6 years) and pregnant/lactating mothers.
Q. What is Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0?
It is the restructured umbrella programme that subsumes ICDS, Poshan Abhiyaan, Scheme for Adolescent Girls and National Crèche Scheme to strengthen nutrition, ECCE, anganwadi infrastructure and adolescent nutrition through convergence and digital monitoring (Poshan Tracker).
Q. How does Poshan Tracker help programme delivery?
Poshan Tracker enables real-time monitoring of nutrition indicators, beneficiary tracking and convergence with RCH data, improving targeting and accountability
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (2017)
- To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
- To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
- To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
Ans: (a)
Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)
26-09-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Finance Minister formally launched the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), marking a significant milestone in India’s GST journey. The tribunal is set to streamline dispute resolution and reinforce trust in India’s indirect tax system.
What is the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)?
- About: GSTAT is a statutory body established under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 to hear appeals against orders passed by the Appellate or Revisional Authorities.
- It provides taxpayers a specialized and independent forum for justice, enhancing the orderliness, predictability, and credibility of the GST regime.
- Objectives: GSTAT aims to create a single, unified appellate forum for GST disputes across India (“One Nation, One Forum”). It minimizes legal friction and ambiguity in GST laws.
- It aims to ensure timely resolution of disputes to improve cash flow and business certainty.
- GSTAT focuses on plain language decisions, simplified formats, checklists, and virtual hearings. It promotes citizen-centric governance aligned with principles of ‘Nagarik Devo Bhava’ and Next-Gen GST reforms.
- Functions: GSTAT functions via a Principal Bench in New Delhi and 31 State Benches across 45 locations, ensuring nationwide reach.
- Each bench has 2 Judicial Members, 1 Central Technical Member, and 1 State Technical Member, blending judicial and technical expertise for impartial and consistent decisions.
- Designed around the three S’s: Structure (judicial + technical expertise), Scale (state benches and single-member benches for simple cases), and Synergy (technology, process, and human expertise).
- GSTAT e-Courts Portal enables online filing, case tracking, and virtual hearings for taxpayers and practitioners.
- Benefits: Protects the rights of both large and small taxpayers with no undue delay in justice. Reduces ambiguity and ensures consistency in interpretation across India.
- Encourages investment confidence and simplifies tax compliance for MSMEs, exporters, startups, and citizens.
- Digital portal enables taxpayers to file appeals online, track cases, and participate in virtual hearings.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following items: (2018)
Cereal grains hulled
Chicken eggs cooked
Fish processed and canned
Newspapers containing advertising material
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Good and Services Tax)?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Q. What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’? (2017)
It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.
It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.
It will enormously increase the growth and size of the economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Simultaneous Elections in India
26-09-2025
For Prelims: Union Cabinet, Simultaneous Elections, Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, One Nation, One Election, Municipalities, Panchayats, Election Commission of India, State Election Commissions, EVMs, VVPATs, Law Commission, Model Code of Conduct
For Mains: Need of simultaneous elections and associated concerns.
Source:IE
Why in News?
Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, noted that frequent elections hinder reforms and highlighted that the simultaneous elections improve governance and policy implementation.
What are Simultaneous Elections?
- About: Simultaneous elections (One Nation, One Election) refer to conducting elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies at the same time. This does not mean voting happens across the country on the same day, polls can still be held in phases.
- Key Provisions of the Bills:
- The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024: Introduces Article 82A to align the terms of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. It empowers the ECI to conduct simultaneous elections and allows the ECI to declare the end date of each State Assembly's term when notifying election schedules.
- The Bill proposes an amendment to Article 83, stipulating that if the Lok Sabha is dissolved before completing its full term, the next Lok Sabha will serve only the unexpired portion of the term.
- Similar amendments are proposed for Article 172 regarding the duration of State Legislatures.
- Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Proposes amendments to the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, to align the term of Union Territories' Legislative Assemblies with that of the Lok Sabha.
- Local bodies (Municipalities and Panchayats) are not included in the proposed bill.
High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, 2023
- The Committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, proposed restoring a cycle of simultaneous polls in two stages, first synchronising Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, followed by aligning municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days.
- It recommended that to synchronise elections, the President will declare the first sitting of the Lok Sabha as the “appointed date.” State assemblies elected after this date will serve only until the next parliamentary polls, ensuring future simultaneous elections.
- In cases like a hung House or no-confidence motion, fresh polls will be held for the remainder of the term.
- It also called for a single electoral roll and photo ID system prepared jointly by the Election Commission and state election bodies to ensure smooth conduct of simultaneous polls.
How do Frequent Elections Impact Governance in India?
- Policy Hesitation: The Union government may delay reforms, fearing electoral backlash in upcoming state elections.
- Interrupted Project Implementation: The Election Commission of India (ECI) Model Code of Conduct (MCC) halts procurement, project execution, and policy decisions during election periods.
- Short-Term Fiscal Focus: Governments may focus on populist spending and subsidies to win votes, rather than long-term fiscal planning.
- Election cycles spread over five years can multiply fiscal pressure, forcing uneven resource allocation.
- Identity Politics and Social Fragmentation: Frequent elections often intensify identity-based mobilization around caste, class, or religion, thereby deepening social divisions and weakening long-term national cohesion.
- Administrative Disruptions: Bureaucratic functions and consultations, such as those by the Finance Commission, can be delayed.
- Declining Democratic Participation: Repeated electoral cycles can lead to voter fatigue, lowering enthusiasm and turnout, which undermines the quality and inclusiveness of democratic participation.
What is the Need for Simultaneous Elections in India?
- Promotes Consistency in Governance: Focus shifts from campaigning to developmental activities and policy implementation. Simultaneous elections cut costs associated with multiple election cycles, freeing resources for economic growth.
- Prevents Policy Paralysis: Reduces prolonged enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and allows governments to ensure smoother policy implementation and better continuity in governance.
- Allows parties to dedicate efforts to public welfare rather than frequent elections.
- Mitigates Resource Diversion: Limits repeated deployment of polling officials and civil servants, freeing them for core duties.
- Enhances Political Opportunities: Simultaneous elections require more candidates at all levels, giving newer leaders space to emerge and reducing dominance by a few big names, while promoting inclusivity and wider representation within parties.
Committee/Commission Recommendations on Simultaneous Elections in India
- Election Commission of India (1983): Recommended holding simultaneous elections for the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and the Legislative Assemblies of States.
- Law Commission 170th Report (1999): Suggested methods for simultaneous elections in two phases.
- Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law & Justice (2015): Supported the idea, citing cost savings and smoother governance. Emphasised the need for political consensus and gradual implementation
- Draft Law Commission Report (2018): The draft report stated that simultaneous elections require constitutional amendments and proposed a two-phase synchronization.
What are the Challenges Associated with Simultaneous Elections?
- Logistical Burden: Conducting elections for over 96 crore voters at once means managing over 1 million polling booths, huge security forces, and personnel deployment on a scale never attempted before.
- Updating electoral rolls, training staff, coordinating security, and running voter education drives across all states at the same time will be highly complex.
- Technology Infrastructure: In the 2024 elections alone, 1.7 million Electronic Voting Machines and 1.8 million Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) were used. Simultaneous polls would need even more machines, backups, and foolproof systems.
- Federal Concerns: Cutting short or extending the terms of state assemblies for alignment may weaken the federal spirit of the Constitution.
- Accountability: With fewer election cycles, governments and leaders may face less frequent public scrutiny.
- Legal Uncertainty: Amendments and new processes could be challenged in courts, delaying or complicating implementation.
- Regional Disparities: Smaller states and regional parties fear being sidelined in “nationalized” elections.
- National issues and big parties may dominate campaigns, reducing focus on local problems and regional parties.
- Constitutional Amendments Required: Simultaneous elections would need amendments to Articles 83, 85, 172, and 174 to fix the tenure and prevent premature dissolution of Lok Sabha and State assemblies.
- Article 356 would also need modification to address issues like President’s Rule, which can dissolve State assemblies prematurely.
What Reforms can Facilitate the Transition to Simultaneous Elections in India?
- Legal Clarity: Establish clear procedures, schedules, and necessary constitutional amendments for synchronized elections.
- Establish clear provisions for handling premature dissolutions and by-elections.
- Strengthening Electoral Infrastructure: Create a unified electoral roll for all three tiers, use technology for voter verification and results, and upgrade EVM and VVPAT management.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate citizens through nationwide campaigns, NGOs, and community organizations on the benefits and process of simultaneous elections.
- Capacity Building: Train election officials on new technologies and procedures to ensure smooth and efficient implementation.
- Adjust Election Timings: Advance or postpone certain state elections to synchronize cycles.
Conclusion
The concept of Simultaneous Elections represents a significant step toward streamlined electoral management and efficient governance. While implementation requires careful constitutional amendments and political consensus, it promises administrative efficiency, fiscal prudence, and sustained policy focus, strengthening India’s democratic framework.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. One Nation, One Election could reduce fiscal costs but may undermine federalism. Discuss in light of recent proposals for simultaneous polls.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy? (2021)
(a) A committed judiciary
(b) Centralization of powers
(c) Elected government
(d) Separation of powers
Ans: (d)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2021)
In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies.
In the 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies.
As per the existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her winning in all the constituencies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national law maker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. (2019)
Q. “The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. (2017)
Fertilizer Sector in India
26-08-2025
Source: FE
Why in News?
A parliamentary committee has urged the government to reclassify the fertilizer sector as ‘strategic’, criticizing its current ‘non-strategic’ status as inconsistent with India’s self-reliance goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat, especially in light of growing import dependency and food security concerns.
What are the Parliamentary Committee Observations and Recommendations on the Fertilizer Sector?
Observations
- Link to Food Security: Fertilizers are crucial for agricultural productivity and food sovereignty. The panel noted that India’s high import dependence (25% for urea, 90% for phosphates, and 100% for potash) makes strengthening fertilizer PSUs essential for domestic production, price stability, disaster resilience, and long-term food security.
- Low PSU Market Share: Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) contribute only ~25% of urea and ~11% of non-urea fertilizer production.
- The private sector dominates the industry, contributing over 57% of total production (2023–24).
- The panel noted that PSUs serve as price stabilizers, particularly for small and marginal farmers through government-subsidized distribution, underscoring the need to treat the fertilizer sector as strategic.
Recommendations
- Policy Support: Classify the sector as ‘strategic’ to attract sustained investment and ensure alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
- Revitalizing Fertilizer PSUs: Launch a dedicated mission to upgrade technology, diversify products, and adopt sustainable practices in public sector units.
- The committee noted that revived fertilizer PSUs have achieved a successful turnaround, with the reopening of closed units contributing 7.62 MT to annual urea production.
How Integral are Fertilizers to India's Agriculture and Economy?
- Agriculture’s Economic Footprint: Agriculture and allied sectors contribute nearly 16% to GDP and support over 46% of India’s population, forming a foundational pillar for economic livelihood.
- Fertilizer Production and Consumption Trends: India is the second-largest user and third-largest producer of fertilizers globally.
- The total Fertilizer production has increased from 385.39 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) in 2014–15 to 503.35 LMT in 2023–24.
- In 2023–24, fertilizer production was led by the private sector (57.77%), followed by cooperatives (24.81%) and the public sector (17.43%).
- Import Dependency: In 2023–24, India consumed 601 LMT of fertilizers, producing 503 LMT domestically and importing 177 LMT.
- Self-sufficiency reached 87% for urea, 90% for NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), but only 40% for DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate), while Muriate of Potash (MOP) remains 100% imported.
How is India’s Fertilizer Sector Evolving Towards Sustainability and Self-Reliance?
- Brand Unification under ONOF: The One Nation One Fertilizer (ONOF) initiative standardizes branding across subsidized fertilizers like ‘Bharat Urea’, ‘Bharat DAP’, etc. to eliminate confusion and ensure uniform quality and government support.
- Sustainable Fertilizer Practices:
- Nano‑fertilizers (nano urea, nano DAP): Nutrients encapsulated in tiny particles, releasing slowly into the soil for better plant absorption and minimal wastage..
- Neem-Coated Urea (NCU): Improves nitrogen efficiency, requiring ~10% less urea to achieve comparable results, minimizing losses and enhancing soil health.
- PM‑PRANAM Scheme: Encourages reduced chemical fertilizer use, promoting organic alternatives, with state incentives linked to performance.
- Bio-fertilizers & Soil Health Card Scheme: Emphasize balanced nutrient input and tailored soil management through diagnostics and farmer guidance.
- Technological & Digital Infrastructure:
- iFMS (Integrated Fertilizer Management System): Enables real-time tracking of fertilizer movement from production to retail.
- mFMS (Mobile FMS): Facilitates dealer registration, stock monitoring, and supports DBT through MIS dashboards accessible via mobile.
What are the Challenges in Categorizing the Fertilizer Sector as ‘Strategic’?
- Global Integration and Supply Diversification: India has secured long-term DAP supply agreements with Saudi Arabia and Morocco, reducing the pressure to maintain large strategic production reserves.
- Technological Obsolescence: Older PSU plants suffer from low efficiency, high input costs, and require heavy capital for modernization.
- This raises doubts about whether strategic status would yield productivity gains without major reform.
- Some PSUs continue to operate at sub-optimal capacity due to raw material constraints, pricing mismatches, or outdated technology—further weakening the strategic case.
- Policy Inconsistency and Sectoral Ambiguity: The contradiction between treating fertilizers as essential to food security (by the Agriculture Ministry) versus a non-strategic commercial sector (by DIPAM) reflects policy incoherence.
- This makes inter-ministerial consensus difficult and slows reform momentum.
How can India Make its fertilizer Sector Self-Reliant?
- Boost Domestic Production: Under New Investment Policy (NIP) 2012 ensure existing units operate profitably and revive closed plants to reduce import dependence.
- Innovation & Sustainability: Invest in research and development for new fertilizer formulations, eco-friendly production, and efficient resource use.
- Promote Public-Private Collaboration: Encourage partnerships for innovation, investment, and increased production capacity.
- Regional Manufacturing Hubs: Establish fertilizer clusters near key agricultural zones to cut logistics costs and ensure quicker distribution.
- Financial Incentives: Introduce a PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme for nano-fertilizer production to incentivize manufacturers and accelerate adoption.
- Integrate nano-fertilizers into national nutrient management programs to complement conventional fertilizers and reduce import dependence.

|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Critically examine the need to classify the fertilizer sector as strategic in the context of India’s food security and Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements: (2020)
- At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
- Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
- Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q. Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture? (2016)
(a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms.
(b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil.
(c) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields.
(d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops.
Ans: (b)
National Cooperation Policy 2025
26-07-2025
Source:TH
Why in News?
To mark the United Nations-designated International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025, India unveiled the National Cooperation Policy 2025 to transform the cooperative sector into a people-driven economic force.
International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025
- CoopsDay, or the International Day of Cooperatives, has been celebrated since 1923 and was officially recognized by the UN in 1995. It is observed on the first Saturday of July each year.
- The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) is hosting the IYC 2025.
- Theme of IYC 2025: "Cooperatives Build a Better World", highlighting their role in inclusive, sustainable development and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
- Scale of Global Cooperatives:
- Over 12% of the global population is part of the 3 million cooperatives worldwide.
- Cooperatives provide jobs or work opportunities to 280 million people, about 10% of the global workforce.
- The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) represents over 1 billion cooperative members globally.
What are the Key Features of the National Cooperation Policy 2025?
- Vision and Objective:It supports the Ministry of Cooperation’s mandate of "Sahakar se Samriddhi" by aiming to strengthen cooperatives and expand their grassroots reach.
- The policy replaces the National Policy on Cooperatives in 2002 and sets the course for cooperative growth over the next two decades (2025–2045).
- Convergence of Government Schemes: The policy aims to leverage existing government schemes such as the Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) to establish 2 lakh new multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (M-PACS) within five years.
- Inclusive Growth and Employment: The policy aims to empower rural populations by making cooperatives more inclusive, focusing on Dalits, Adivasis, women, and youth, while strengthening their role in the wider economy.
- Diversification and Education: The policy pushes cooperatives to expand into over 25 sectors like dairy, fisheries, and foodgrain procurement.
- The policy promotes cooperative education via Tribhuvan Sahkari University, India’s first national cooperative university.
- Technological Advancements and Global Engagement: The policy aims to modernise cooperatives to stay competitive in a fast-changing, tech-driven world.
- The policy sets up National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) to help cooperatives access global markets, focusing on exports like rice and wheat.

What are Cooperatives?
- About: A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs, and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.
- They follow the principle of "one member, one vote", giving every member equal say, regardless of capital contribution.
- In India, the cooperative movement began in the late 19th century to tackle rural debt and exploitation. Key steps included the Cooperative Acts of 1904 and 1912.
- Post-independence, cooperatives became central to India’s development, with institutions like National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) supporting them.
- Another development of cooperatives is the rise of cooperative banks regulated under the Banking Regulation Act, with around 1,400 Urban Cooperative Banks in India.
- Constitutional & Legal Backing: The 97th Amendment, 2011 granted cooperatives constitutional status.
- Article 19(1)(c) ensures the right to form cooperatives, while Article 43B promotes them as a Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
- Part IXB (Articles 243ZH - 243ZT) provides governance provisions for Cooperatives.
- State-level cooperatives fall under the State List, while multi-state cooperatives are governed by the Union List and the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.
- The MSCS Act is administered by the Central Registrar, and state cooperatives are managed by State Registrars.
- The Ministry of Cooperation was established in 2021 by transferring cooperation-related entries from the former Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation, and Farmers Welfare.
- MSCS (Amendment) Act, 2023 improved governance and transparency of cooperatives.
- Scale of Cooperatives in India: India has nearly 8.42 lakh cooperatives and 29 crore members (27% of the global total) . IFFCO and Amul are among the world’s top 300 cooperatives.
- Maharashtra leads with over 25% of all cooperatives, followed by Gujarat, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
- Tribhuvandas K. Patel led the creation of Amul by organising village dairy cooperatives. Verghese Kurien, the force behind India’s White Revolution, made Amul a national success and turned India into the world’s top milk producer.

What are the Key Initiatives Undertaken by India in the Cooperative Sector?
- PACS: Model bye-laws were introduced to bring uniformity and transparency across states. This helps Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) function more efficiently and democratically.
- Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): As of 2025, around 1,900 FPOs formed in the cooperative sector by NCDC.
- Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) are being promoted to help small fishers with better resources, training, and credit.
- National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) is promoting organic farming through PACS and has launched Bharat Organic products to support sustainable and chemical-free agriculture.
- White Revolution 2.0: Launched in 2024, this initiative aims to increase milk procurement by 50% over the next five years, with over 9,000 dairy cooperative societies already registered.
- Cooperative Banking Reforms: Urban cooperative banks (UCBs) are now allowed to open new branches, while rural cooperative banks can lend to commercial real estate.
- GeM portal: Cooperatives can now register as buyers on the GeM portal to ensure transparent and cost-effective procurement. As of 2024, over 550 cooperatives have been onboarded so far.


What are the Challenges and Opportunities for the Cooperative Sector in India?
Challenges
- Weak Infrastructure: In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the cooperative network remains underdeveloped. Expanding the reach of cooperatives to these states could be a logistical and financial challenge.
- Low Member Participation: Marginalised communities are underrepresented. Limited awareness and engagement reduce the strength of cooperative functioning.
- Financial Barriers: Many cooperatives, especially those serving poorer sections, struggle to get loans due to lack of collateral or proper documentation.
- Lack of Skills: Many cooperatives lack trained personnel and managerial expertise, affecting performance.
- Technological Integration: While India aims to modernize cooperatives, many societies, especially in rural areas, may face challenges in adopting and implementing new technologies.
Opportunities
- Economic Empowerment: The establishment of two lakh new M-PACS and the expansion of dairy, fishery, and other cooperative sectors offer vast economic opportunities, particularly for rural and agricultural communities.
- Increased Global Presence: The formation of the NCEL and the opening of export markets could help cooperatives gain global recognition, potentially enhancing foreign exchange earnings.
- Job Creation: With cooperatives contributing significantly to sectors like agriculture, dairy, and fisheries, the NCP 2025 can provide millions of new job opportunities, further addressing unemployment in rural areas.
- Improve Governance: Use digital platforms for financial reporting, ensure regular audits, and promote member participation.
Conclusion
Cooperatives are a grassroots movement empowering farmers, women, and small entrepreneurs. They promote inclusive growth and resilient communities. Under the National Cooperation Policy 2025, India reaffirms its commitment to “Sahkar se Samriddhi,” aiming to use cooperatives as a vehicle for sustainable development and widespread prosperity.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
The cooperative model has long been a tool for rural empowerment in India. In light of the National Cooperation Policy 2025, critically evaluate how cooperatives can drive inclusive growth.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. With reference to ‘Urban Cooperative Banks’ in India, consider the following statements: (2021)
- They are supervised and regulated by local boards established by State Governments.
- They can issue equity shares and preference shares.
- They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, through a 1966 Amendment.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q. In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities? (2011)
(a) Commercial Banks
(b) Cooperative Banks
(c) Regional Rural Banks
(d) Microfinance Institutions
Ans: (a)
Mains:
Q. “In the villages itself no form of credit organisation will be suitable except the cooperative society.” – All India Rural Credit Survey. Discuss this statement in the background of agricultural finance in India. What constraints and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finance face? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients? (2014)
Progress on India’s Climate Targets
26-07-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
India has made remarkable progress on its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement 2015, achieving one of its major targets five years ahead of schedule and nearing completion on the other two.

Note: The Paris Agreement (2015), adopted at COP21, set the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C. COP26 (Glasgow, 2021) served as a key milestone to review and enhance Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), reinforcing the Paris Agreement's implementation.
What is the Status of India’s Climate Commitments?
- Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: India achieved its non-fossil fuel capacity target in 2024—five years ahead of schedule (2030)—with 242.78 GW (around 50%) of its 484.82 GW total installed capacity from non-fossil sources (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear).
- Carbon Sink: India had pledged to create an additional 2.5–3 billion tonnes of carbon sink through forests and tree cover.
- By 2021, it had already achieved 2.29 billion tonnes, and with a yearly increase of around 150 million tonnes (2017–2021), the total likely crossed 2.5 billion tonnes by 2023.
- Emissions Intensity: India pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, and had already achieved a 36% reduction by 2020.
- Despite limited recent data, current trends suggest India is on track to comfortably meet or exceed this target.
India’s Initiatives to Achieve Climate Targets
What Concerns are Associated with India’s Climate Targets?
- Capacity vs Generation Gap: India achieved 50% non-fossil installed capacity in 2024, but only 28% of electricity generated comes from non-fossil sources.
- Moreover, just approx 6% of total energy consumption is clean, as fossil fuels still dominate sectors like industry, transport, and households.
- Heavy Reliance on Solar Energy: In 2024, India set a record by installing 30 GW of renewable energy, with solar alone contributing nearly 24 GW.
- However, wind, hydro, and nuclear sectors continue to grow at a sluggish pace due to land acquisition issues, policy delays, and financial hurdles, while China is scaling up renewables ten times faster (in the past 2 years).
- India’s nuclear capacity is expected to reach just 17 GW by 2030 against 100 GW target by 2047(the Union Budget 2025-26).
- Sustainability Concerns on Carbon Sink: Concerns persist about the share of natural forests vs monoculture plantations, their ecological impact, and whether gains can be maintained amid urbanisation and land use pressures.
- Emissions Intensity Reduction: The lack of reliable emissions data after 2020 hampers efforts to monitor progress and adjust policies in real time.
- Despite being on track to meet intensity targets, continued fossil fuel dependence in key sectors could lead to rising absolute emissions without a clear roadmap for hard-to-abate industries (e.g., steel, cement).
- Climate Finance Shortfalls: India has repeatedly flagged the shortfall in climate finance and technology transfer from developed nations, despite their Paris Agreement commitments.
- Many wealthy countries have missed emission reduction targets and under-delivered on the USD 100 billion annual climate finance pledge.
What Steps can be Taken to Further India’s Climate Target Goals?
- Bridging Capacity-Generation Gap: India must scale up battery storage technologies like lithium-ion, and sodium-ion batteries to handle solar and wind intermittency.
- Additionally, modernizing transmission networks and deploying smart grids with demand-response systems is crucial for efficient renewable integration and supply-demand balancing.
- Diversifying Beyond Solar: India should fast-track wind and hydro projects by easing land and clearance hurdles and reviving stalled hydropower through better financing and community support.
- Sustainable Carbon Sink Growth: Use satellite technologies like Geographical Information System (GIS) and remote sensing to monitor deforestation and afforestation, while promoting mixed native species over monoculture for better carbon sequestration.
- Securing Climate Finance: India should advocate for developed countries to fulfill their commitment to providing USD 300 billion annually by 2035 in climate finance for developing nations, as agreed at UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, and stress the importance of prioritizing grants over loans for clean energy projects.
- Simultaneously, it must attract private and foreign investment through incentives, while boosting indigenous R&D and international tech collaborations in clean technologies.
Conclusion
India has made significant progress on its climate targets, achieving key milestones ahead of schedule. However, structural challenges in generation, sectoral emissions, finance, and forest sustainability persist. Addressing these will require robust policy action, financial support, and technological innovation to ensure long-term climate resilience and equitable energy transition.
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Drishti Mains Question:
India has achieved its non-fossil fuel capacity target ahead of schedule. Critically examine the challenges that still hinder a full energy transition.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:
Prelims
Q. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)
- The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
- The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
- The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Q. With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2017)
- It is an initiative of the European Union.
- It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
- It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q.1 Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)
Q.2 ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (2017)
MSC Certification for Chilka Lake’s Mud Crab Fishery
26-06-2025
To boost India’s inland fisheries, a joint initiative led by ICAR-CIFRI (Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute) and Chilika Development Authority (CDA) aims to secure Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for Chilika Lake’s mud crab fishery.

MSC Certification
- The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation promoting sustainable fishing through its eco-label and certification programme.
- MSC certification is a globally recognised eco-label for wild-capture fisheries that ensure sustainable fish stocks, low environmental impact, and adaptive, effective management. It promotes responsible fishing to secure healthy oceans and sustainable seafood for future generations.
- The certification enhances export value, supports biodiversity conservation, and ensures livelihood security.
- The Chilika mud crab is India’s first inland fishery nominated for MSC’s sustainability certification.
State of India’s Fisheries Sector
- India is the second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global output and 4% in global fisheries exports. It ranks second in aquaculture, first in shrimp production, and third in capture fisheries.
- Inland fisheries account for over 75% of total production.
- Key fish-producing states include Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka.
- Government's Initiatives:
Punjab Declares Three Historic Sikh Sites as Holy Cities
25-11-2025
Source: IE
Punjab has passed a resolution to declare the Amritsar Walled City, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, marking a major cultural and governance decision aligned with the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
- The decision bans the sale and consumption of liquor, meat, tobacco, and other intoxicants in the designated holy areas. These places also hold religious significance in Sikh history, hosting three of the five Takhts.
- Takhts: A Takht, which means a throne, is a seat of temporal authority for Sikhs. There are five Sikh Takhts, three in Punjab and one each in Maharashtra and Bihar.
- Akal Takht in Amritsar, Punjab: Established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, is the highest seat of Sikh authority and represents the union of miri (temporal power) and piri (spiritual authority).
- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib, Punjab): Site where the Khalsa was created in 1699.
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Punjab): Where Guru Gobind Singh finalised Sikh scripture.
- Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib (Patna, Bihar): Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra): Site of Guru Gobind Singh final days and cremation in 1708.
AWS Outage and the Risks of Cloud Centralisation
25-10-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
A recent outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS) disrupted over 1,000 global online services, including messaging apps and government portals, highlighting the risks of centralised cloud providers.
What is Amazon Web Services (AWS)?
- About: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the cloud computing division of Amazon, launched in 2006. It provides on-demand IT infrastructure such as computing power, data storage, databases, analytics, and networking tools.
- Instead of maintaining their own physical servers, companies rent computing resources from AWS data centres located across the world.
- It follows a “pay-as-you-go” model, offering scalability and cost efficiency.
- Significance of AWS: AWS is the world’s largest cloud provider, ahead of Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.
- Many critical applications, financial systems, and digital services rely on AWS for hosting and data management, any failure in AWS can lead to widespread service disruptions, affecting communication, finance, governance, and entertainment sectors simultaneously.
- Causes of AWS Outage: AWS identified a Domain Name System(DNS) resolution failure in its DynamoDB service endpoints hosted in its North Virginia data center as the primary cause.
- The DNS acts like the Internet’s address book, converting website names into IP addresses that computers use to find and connect to servers.
- If this system fails, browsers can’t locate the right server, leading to websites or apps becoming slow, inaccessible, or showing error messages.
- DynamoDB service endpoints are connection points to AWS’s database.
- The DNS issue blocked access to these endpoints, disrupting many apps and services globally.
What is Cloud Computing?
- Definition: Cloud computing is a model for delivering information technology services where computing resources such as storage, processing power, databases, and applications are provided over the Internet instead of being hosted on local servers.
- Users can access these resources on-demand, without owning or managing the physical infrastructure.
- Cloud Computing Models:
|
Model
|
Definition
|
Example
|
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SaaS (Software as a Service)
|
Software delivered over the Internet; no installation or maintenance required.
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Google Docs, Hotmail, Microsoft Office 365
|
|
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
|
Platform for developers to build, deploy, and manage apps without managing underlying hardware or OS.
|
Google App Engine
|
|
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
|
Virtualized computing resources (servers, storage, networking) provided on-demand.
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Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure
|
|
XaaS (Anything/Everything as a Service)
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Comprehensive model combining multiple cloud services, including software, platforms, and infrastructure.
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Cloud service bundles from major providers
|
|
FaaS (Function as a Service)
|
Event-driven serverless computing; runs code only when triggered, no server management required.
|
Google Cloud Functions
|
What is the Significance of Cloud Computing for India?
- Robust Digital Infrastructure: Cloud computing strengthens India’s IT backbone through National Data Centres (NDCs) and regional centres, supporting large-scale storage, disaster recovery, and high-performance computing.
- Boosting E-Governance: Platforms like MeghRaj and National Informatics Centre (NIC) Cloud Services enable fast deployment and management of government applications, making services efficient, scalable, and reliable.
- Cloud platforms like GovDrive and e-Office under the National E-Governance Plan ensure coordinated workflows, data security, and enable paperless administration.
- Financial and Social Inclusion: Digital identity (Aadhaar), payment systems (Unified Payments Interface (UPI)), and platforms like DigiLocker improve accessibility, transparency, and inclusion across socio-economic groups through Cloud services.
- Common Services Centres (CSCs) leverage cloud to provide 800+ government services to rural populations, bridging the digital divide.
- Accessible Public Services: Citizen-centric platforms such as UMANG, e-Hastakshar, and DIKSHA facilitate seamless delivery of education, health, and administrative services across India.
- Economic Growth and Innovation: Reduces infrastructure costs, supports startups and SMEs, and accelerates India’s digital economy by providing scalable and on-demand IT resources.
- Global Leadership: India’s cloud-enabled initiatives, including National Knowledge Network (NKN) and India Stack, showcase digital solutions that can be adopted by other nations, especially in the Global South, positioning India as a leader in scalable digital services.
How does Cloud Centralisation Risk Digital Sovereignty and Resilience?
- Systemic Risk to Critical Infrastructure: Centralised clouds host essential services like banking, healthcare, and government portals. Any failure can disrupt national operations and public services
- Digital Sovereignty Concerns: Over-reliance on foreign cloud providers risks control over sensitive national data, affecting policy autonomy and strategic decision-making.
- Barrier to Innovation for Smaller Players: Dominance of a few providers can stifle local tech ecosystems and reduce opportunities for startups or domestic cloud alternatives.
- Geopolitical Vulnerabilities: Outages or policy changes by global providers can impact countries differently, making them susceptible to external pressures or sanctions.
- Hidden Economic Dependencies: Cloud providers’ pricing power and market control can increase operational costs for businesses and governments, creating indirect economic risks.
What Measures India can Take to Build Resilient Cloud Infrastructure?
- Multi-Cloud Adoption: Government agencies should expand implementation of multi-cloud strategies to avoid over-dependence on a single provider, reducing systemic risks.
- Mandate replication, backup, and failover mechanisms for all government cloud workloads to ensure continuity during outages.
- Domestic Data Centres: Promote the expansion of Tier-II and Tier-III domestic data centres to ensure regional redundancy and local control.
- Data Localisation & Sovereignty: Enforce data localisation norms for sensitive government and citizen data to prevent exposure to foreign jurisdiction risks.
- Strengthening MeghRaj & NIC Cloud: Expand National Cloud capacity to support critical public services and e-governance platforms like DigiLocker, e-Office, and GovDrive.
- Skill Development & Capacity Building: Train cloud administrators in resilient architecture, threat mitigation, and disaster recovery planning.
Conclusion
Cloud computing powers India’s digital services, but outages like AWS show the risks of centralization. Multi-cloud strategies, domestic data centres, and skilled workforce are key for resilient infrastructure.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Evaluate the challenges and risks associated with centralised cloud providers for critical national infrastructure.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is cloud computing?
Delivery of IT resources (storage, computing, apps) over the internet without managing physical servers.
2. What is MeghRaj and its significance in India?
MeghRaj is India’s national cloud initiative providing scalable Information and Communication Technology services to government departments, enhancing e-governance and efficient service delivery.
3. How does cloud computing contribute to financial and social inclusion in India?
Platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker leverage cloud services to provide accessible, transparent, and scalable services across socio-economic groups.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to "Software as a Service (SaaS)", consider the following statements: (2022)
- SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields.
- SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.
- Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
India to Host Commonwealth Games 2030
25-10-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
India is set to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) in 2030, with Ahmedabad chosen as the proposed venue, marking a key step in its bid for the 2036 Olympics.
- India last hosted the CWG in 2010 (Delhi).
- India has a strong CWG record, finishing 4th at Birmingham 2022.
- The 2026 CWG will take place in Glasgow, Scotland.
What are Commonwealth Games?
- About: CWG is the world’s 2nd largest multi-sports event (after Olympic Games), bringing together athletes from 71 nations and territories and celebrating the diversity and unity of the Commonwealth.
- Evolution: It was first held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada as the British Empire Games.
- The event was known as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954, before being renamed the Commonwealth Games from 1978 onwards.
- Governing Body: Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is responsible for the direction and control of the Games.
- Purpose and Values: It is held once every 4 years and is often referred to as the Friendly Games, reflecting the core values of Humanity, Equality, and Destiny.
- It promotes sports, education, and recreation while celebrating the Commonwealth’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
‘Commonwealth’
- About: It is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries, representing a population of 2.7 billion people, with shared goals of development, democracy, and peace.
- Historical Genesis:
- Imperial Conference (1926): UK and Dominions agreed to be equal members within the British Empire, owing allegiance to the monarch but retaining autonomy.
- London Declaration (1949): Established the Modern Commonwealth of Nations, allowing republics and non-British monarchies to join.
- Membership: Composed of 56 independent countries, most formerly British colonies. Membership is voluntary, and any country can join; Gabon and Togo joined in 2022.
- Values and Governance: It is guided by the Commonwealth Charter, promoting development, democracy, and peace, with the Commonwealth Secretariat in London supporting member states in achieving these goals.
- India and the Commonwealth: India is the largest Commonwealth member by population and the 4th largest financial contributor.
- It has hosted the Commonwealth Summit (1983) and the Commonwealth Games (2010) in New Delhi.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games are a quadrennial multi-sport event for athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories, promoting sports, cultural diversity, and unity.
2. When and where were the first Commonwealth Games held?
The inaugural Games took place in 1930, Hamilton, Canada, as the British Empire Games.
3. What is the Commonwealth of Nations?
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent countries, mostly former British colonies, promoting development, democracy, and peace through cooperation.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000: (2021)
- American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.
- The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.
- Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Green Hydrogen
25-08-2025
Source: DTE
Why in News?
A new report has positioned India as a potential global leader in the green hydrogen economy, with the capacity to capture 10% of the worldwide market and export 10 million tonnes annually by 2030.
What is Green Hydrogen (GH2)?
- About: Green Hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced through electrolysis, where renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydro are used to split water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂).
- It can also be produced via biomass gasification, a process that converts biomass into hydrogen-rich gas.
- Applications: Its uses include a wide range of applications such as Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), aviation and maritime transport, and various industrial sectors like fertilizers, refineries, and steel.
- It also holds potential in road and rail transport, shipping, and power generation.
- India’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions: Through policies like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme, and development of Green Hydrogen Hubs at Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin, India MAPS its Green Hydrogen Ambitions as follows:
- M – Market Leadership: Capture 10% of the global GH2 market by 2030, projected to cross 100 MMT.
- A – Abatement of Emissions: Enable ~50 MMT CO₂ reduction annually, aligning with India’s NDC and net-zero goals.
- P – Powering Production: Develop 5 MMT per annum of GH2 production capacity by 2030.
- E – Employment Creation: Generate 6 lakh+ green jobs across the GH2 value chain, from R&D to production, storage, and export.
- Other Types of Hydrogen:
What are the Key Challenges in India’s Green Hydrogen Ecosystem?
India’s Green Hydrogen journey is hindered by a CAGE that restricts its scaling potential:
C – Cost Barrier: Early-stage Green Hydrogen costs nearly $4–4.5/kg, much higher than grey hydrogen, limiting competitiveness.
A – Access to Capital: High upfront investments in electrolysers and renewable capacity deter private players.
G – Gaps in Infrastructure: Lack of transport pipelines, storage, and refuelling networks slows adoption.
E – Economic Viability Issues: Delayed carbon pricing mechanism makes fossil fuel-based hydrogen artificially cheaper, undercutting Green Hydrogen.
What Measures can India Adopt to Boost Green Hydrogen Adoption?
To break free from the CAGE, India must step on the POWER pedal:
P – Pricing Carbon: Accelerating the introduction of a carbon tax/market mechanism to level the field with fossil fuels.
O – Obligation Mandates: Enforce Green Hydrogen Purchase Obligations in hard-to-abate sectors (steel, fertilisers, refining).
W – Widen Infrastructure Base: Build electrolyser capacity, storage, transport pipelines, and export corridors with partners like EU, Japan, S. Korea.
E – Economic Reallocation: Shift subsidies from fossil fuels to GH2, and provide tax incentives & viability gap funding.
R – Risk Pooling through Demand Aggregation: Create pooled procurement platforms with payment security mechanisms to ensure bankable contracts and competitive pricing.
Keywords for Mains
- “Hydrogen is the New Oil” – Fuel of the future.
- “Act Green, Trade Clean” – Export corridors for sustainable growth.
- “Sustainability is the Truest Dharma” – Green energy as ethical responsibility.
- “Green Hydrogen is India’s Tryst with Clean Destiny.”

UN High Commissioner for Refugees
25-08-2025
Source: TH
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has temporarily suspended voluntary repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees from India after arrests of returnees in Sri Lanka.
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- About: UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency, established in 1950 by the UN General Assembly to assist people displaced after World War II.
- It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with operations in 137 countries.
- Legal Basis: Guided by the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol, which defines refugees and sets global standards for their rights and protection.
- Functions: It provides refugee protection, humanitarian aid, promotion of durable solutions (asylum, repatriation, integration, resettlement), and support to states in framing refugee policies under international law.
- 1951 Refugee Convention & 1967 Protocol
- About: It forms the foundation of international refugee law, defining a refugee as a person outside their home country, unable/unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution (based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group).
- Mandate: It upholds the core principle of non-refoulement, ensuring refugees are not returned to danger, while granting rights to housing, education, work, and legal protection.
- Refugees must respect host country laws, though those guilty of war crimes or serious crimes are excluded from protection.
- India and UNHCR: India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or 1967 Protocol. Refugees are managed under general immigration laws.
- Despite this, India has hosted major refugee groups- Sri Lankan Tamils, Tibetans, Afghans, Rohingyas and collaborates with UNHCR on humanitarian grounds.
Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India
25-07-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
A World Bank report, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, titled "Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India", forecasts that by 2030, Indian cities will generate 70% of new employment but will face risks from flooding and extreme heat, urging the need for greater autonomy and climate-resilient planning.
What are the Key Climate Risks Impacting Indian Cities?
- Urban Growth: Urban population projected to nearly double to 951 million by 2050. By 2030, 70% of all new jobs will be generated in cities, but rapid urbanisation increases vulnerability to climate shocks.
- Indian cities will require USD 2.4 trillion by 2050 to build climate-resilient infrastructure and services.
- Flooding: Urban sprawl into flood-prone areas and increased concrete construction are worsening pluvial flooding by limiting rainwater absorption.
- The World Bank report projects that annual losses due to flooding could reach USD 5 billion by 2030. If adequate adaptation measures are not implemented, these losses are expected to surge to USD 30 billion by 2070.
- Just 10–20% road flooding can disrupt over 50% of a city’s transport system.
- Extreme Heat: The World Bank report highlights the growing intensity of the urban heat island effect in Indian cities, where concrete and asphalt absorb heat during the day and release it at night, leading to elevated nighttime temperatures.
- This is expected to lead to 3 lakh heat-related deaths annually by 2050. Solutions like urban greening, and cool roofs could prevent over 1.3 lakh deaths each year, underscoring the need for climate adaptation in urban planning.
- Air Pollution: In 2023, India was home to 42 of the 50 most polluted cities in the world, up from 39 in 2022. The primary contributors to poor air quality include vehicular emissions, construction dust, and biomass burning.
- Poor air quality leads to respiratory diseases, affecting millions of urban residents, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
What are the Challenges of Urban Autonomy in Enhancing Climate Resilience?
- Weak Devolution to ULBs: The Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), serve as local self-governments in India, as established by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.
- This Act empowered the states to devolve the responsibility of functions including urban planning, regulation of land use, water supply, and slum upgradation to ULBs, but many states haven't fully implemented it.
- Limited Financial Resources: ULBs often lack the necessary funds to implement climate-resilient infrastructure and policies, hindering their ability to address climate risks effectively.
- Most cities struggle to raise revenue, property tax collection is under 0.2% of GDP compared to 1.1% in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.
- India’s devolution of funds to ULBs is significantly lower than in countries like South Africa (2.6%), Mexico (1.6%), the Philippines (2.5%), and Brazil (5.1%).
- This limited funding reduces urban productivity and quality of life. The rollout of Goods and Services Tax (GST) further shrank ULBs’ revenue sources, weakening their financial autonomy.
- Weak Institutional Capacity: Many ULBs lack the technical expertise and administrative capacity to plan and execute climate adaptation strategies.
- Data Deficiency: ULBs often lack access to accurate, up-to-date data on climate risks and urban infrastructure, which is essential for informed decision-making.
- Fragmented Governance: Lack of coordination among different urban authorities hampers the integration of climate resilience strategies across various sectors.
What are the Key Strategies for Ensuring Climate Resilience in Indian Cities?
- Greater Autonomy for Cities: The World Bank highlights that cities with more autonomy perform better in resource mobilization, climate resilience, and accountability.
- Decentralized governance helps them tackle local challenges and boost revenue, especially for climate adaptation.
- Strengthening municipal revenue has been a consistent priority across Finance Commissions (FC). The 12th FC pushed for a Geographical Information System (GIS) and digitisation to improve property tax collection, while the 14th FC recommended empowering municipalities to levy vacant land tax.
- Urban Planning and Design: Green infrastructure like parks, wetlands, and open spaces helps manage rainwater and reduce urban heat. Schemes like AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) support this through green space and water-focused projects.
- Cities also need climate-resilient urban planning by avoiding construction in floodplains and enforcing climate-aware zoning norms.
- Upgrade stormwater drainage by recycling and reusing water for industrial use, and implement the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework under the Smart Cities Mission for efficient planning.
- Risk Evaluation and Adaptation Measures: Cities should conduct detailed climate risk assessments and incorporate adaptation measures (like Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan model) into city development plans.
- Use geospatial data, climate models, and early warning systems to support real-time risk management and community preparedness.
- Energy-Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Under the National Mission for Sustainable Habitat (NMSH), promote climate change mitigation and adaptation in the built environment of Indian cities, focusing on areas like sustainable buildings, efficient waste management, and low-carbon urban transport systems.
- The India Cooling Action Plan projects an eightfold rise in cooling demand by 2037. Energy-efficient buildings can cut emissions, improve comfort, and enhance indoor air quality.
- Enhance Investment: Public-private partnership (PPP) plays a vital role in financing climate resilience projects. Encouraging private investment in climate-adapted infrastructure can help cities leverage additional funding and technological expertise.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Indian cities are at the frontline of climate change. Discuss the key risks and evaluate India’s approach to building urban climate resilience.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)
Mains
Q. The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (2016)
Q. Do government schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies? (2014)
One Stop Centres Scheme
25-07-2025
Source: HT
Why in News?
The Delhi High Court issued multiple directions to the Delhi government concerning the poor condition of One Stop Centres (OSCs) set up under the One Stop Centre scheme to aid women affected by violence.
What is One Stop Centres Scheme?
- About: Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), OSCs aim to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence in private and public spaces, including family, community, and workplace settings.
- Also known as Sakhi Centres, they form a key component of the Sambal vertical under Mission Shakti.
- It is 100% centrally funded through the Nirbhaya Fund and implemented by State/UT governments.
- Objectives: They ensure immediate and long-term access to medical, legal, psychological, and counselling services for women facing physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or economic abuse.
- Target Beneficiaries: It supports all women and girls, including those below 18 years, affected by any form of violence, regardless of caste, class, religion, region, marital status, education, sexual orientation, or culture.
- Services Offered:
- Emergency response & rescue (including police assistance)
- Medical aid (first aid, treatment, referral services) and Legal aid & counselling (FIR filing, legal advice via NALSA)
- Psycho-social counselling (mental health support) and Temporary shelter (short-stay facilities)
- Video conferencing (for remote legal/medical consultations)
- Coverage: At least one OSC per district is encouraged, with additional centres in high-crime, large, or aspirational districts.
- Financial and Audit Mechanism: Funds are disbursed as per Public Financial Management System (PFMS) via Single Nodal Agency (SNA) or SNA SPARSH.
What was the Need of OSC Guidelines?
- Staffing Shortages: Many OSCs, especially in hospitals, lack dedicated staff and are run by existing hospital personnel, with counsellors called in from external agencies when needed.
- Non-Compliance with SoPs: The SoPs for OSCs (in case of Delhi) mandate specific staffing-5 counsellors, 5 senior resident doctors, 5 staff nurses, and 5 nursing orderlies-but audits found these norms were not consistently followed.
- Inadequate Record-Keeping: Crucial records like child death case reviews and ante-natal care (ANC) are not properly maintained, hindering effective monitoring and service improvement.
What Directions Did the Delhi High Court Issue?
- Awareness Campaign: The government must publicize OSCs through newspapers and signboards at prominent locations like schools, hospitals, bus stops with helpline numbers.
- Infrastructure Strengthening: The court directed the government to ensure adequate infrastructure and immediate staff recruitment to make all OSCs fully functional.
- SOP Implementation: The court mandated the circulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on child pregnancy and child marriage among all stakeholders, especially police and OSC staff.
- Appointment of Nodal Officer: The Delhi government was directed to appoint a Nodal Officer to oversee implementation and monitoring.
Note: The above issues were previously highlighted in the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services for the Government of NCT of Delhi.

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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the role of One Stop Centres (OSCs) in addressing gender-based violence in India.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (2017)
DHRUVA Policy
25-07-2025
Source: PIB
The Department of Posts has introduced DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) Policy, a geo-coded digital address system to revolutionize governance, logistics, and service delivery in India.
DHRUVA Policy
- About: It is a pioneering Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative designed to revolutionize the structure and management of addresses across India by assigning a unique digital address to every home.
- Based on Address-as-a-Service (AaaS), it enables secure, consent-based sharing of geo-coded address information through a seamless digital platform.
- It has been developed entirely in India, fostering indigenous technology and domestic innovation.
- Objective: It can reduce delivery costs in e-commerce, postal, and logistics, and enhances resource planning in telecom, broadband, and urban governance.
- Layers: It consists of 2 key layers:
- Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN): DIGIPIN is a 10-digit alphanumeric code that represents exact geographic coordinates (latitude-longitude), created using 4x4 meter grids across India.
- It gives every location a unique identity using geospatial data.
- Digital Address Layer: A user-friendly, consent-based system built on DIGIPIN, letting users create custom labels and descriptive addresses (e.g., house numbers, street names etc) linked to their DIGIPIN.
Womaniya Initiative
24-11-2025
Source: PIB
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM), and UN Women have signed an MoU under the Womaniya initiative to boost women entrepreneurs’ participation in public procurement and advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Womaniya Initiative
- About: Launched in 2019, the Womaniya initiative on GeM supports women entrepreneurship by helping women-led MSEs, SHGs, artisans, and marginalized women sell directly to the government.
- Objective: Addresses the triple challenge faced by women entrepreneurs-access to markets, access to finance, and access to value-addition.
- It also supports the goal of reserving 3% of government procurement for women-owned businesses.
- Scale & Impact: According to the Udyam Registration Portal, women-owned MSMEs make up 20.5% of all MSMEs, contribute 18.73% to employment, and account for 11.15% of total investment.
GeM
- About: GeM, launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce, is an online platform that Central and State Government Ministries, Departments, PSUs, and related bodies use to procure goods and services.
- Objective: It aims to promote transparency, efficiency, and fairness in government procurement, reducing delays and curbing corruption, with independent assessments like the World Bank noting nearly 10% cost savings.
- Inclusivity: It empowers over 10 lakh MSEs, 1.3 lakh artisans and weavers, 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs, and 31,000 startups in the GeM ecosystem.
- Also, GeM has introduced GeMAI, India’s first generative AI-powered public sector chatbot, with voice and text support in 10 Indian languages.
Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025
24-10-2025
Source: PIB
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025, effective from 1st November 2025, to simplify procedures, ensure uniformity, and boost Armed Forces’ operational preparedness.
- Defence Procurement Manual: It is a guideline issued by India’s Ministry of Defence that lays out the procedures, rules, and policies for acquiring goods, services, and equipment for the Armed Forces.
- It ensures transparency, accountability, and efficiency in defence purchases while promoting indigenisation, ease of doing business, and operational readiness.
- Salient features of DPM 2025:
- Effective & Scope: Will govern revenue procurement worth approximately Rs 1 lakh crore by the three Services and other establishments under the Ministry of Defence.
- Relaxed Liquidated Damages (LD): LD levied on delayed delivery of stores and services, have been relaxed with a maximum of 10% for delays and 0.1% per week for indigenisation projects instead of 0.5% in other cases.
- Assured Orders: Items developed under indigenisation can get orders up to 5 years or more.
- No NOC Requirement: Procurement from sources other than Ordnance Factory Board no longer needs No Objection Certificate.
Global Innovation Index 2025
24-09-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
India has climbed to the 38th position among 139 economies in the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, improving from 48th place in 2020.
Global Innovation Index
- The Global Innovation Index (GII), introduced in 2007, was developed to provide comprehensive metrics and methodologies for assessing the wide spectrum of innovations across economies.
- Published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the GII has become a key benchmark for evaluating an economy’s innovation ecosystem.
- Recognized by the UN General Assembly as an authoritative reference for shaping Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies.
What are the Key Highlights of the GII 2025?
- India Related Findings: India rose from 81st (2015) to 38th (2025), ranking 1st among lower-middle-income economies and in Central & Southern Asia.
- Its strengths are Knowledge & Technology Outputs (22) and Market Sophistication (38); weaknesses lie in Business Sophistication (64), Infrastructure (61), and Institutions (58).
- Top-Ranked Economies: The top five most innovative economies are Switzerland (1st), Sweden (2nd), USA (3rd), South Korea (4th), and Singapore (5th). China ranked in the top 10 for the first time, securing the 10th position.
- Top Innovation Clusters: The world’s top innovation clusters are Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou (1st) in China and Hong Kong, and Tokyo–Yokohama (2nd) in Japan.
- Positive Socioeconomic Impact: Labor productivity rose 2.5% in 2024, global life expectancy reached 73 years, and extreme poverty fell to 817 million, under half of 2004 levels.
- Rapid Technological Advancement: In 2024, technology advanced with notable gains in supercomputing efficiency and battery prices. However, adoption slowed, progress in wind power and genome sequencing lagged, and novel drug development regressed.
What is the Current Status of India’s Innovation Landscape?
- Funding Mechanism: As per the latest available R&D statistics, India invested 0.65% of GDP in R&D, compared to China (2.43%), Brazil (1.15%), and South Korea (2.5%).
- Patent Filings: India now ranks 6th globally in terms of patent applications. Meanwhile, India's patent-to-GDP ratio—a measure of the economic impact of patent activity—grew significantly, from 144 in 2013 to 381 in 2023.
- Strategic Policy Support: Programs like Startup India, Make in India, and Production Linked Initiative (PLI) scheme offer foundational support.
- DeepTech Push: Significant investments focus on strategic sectors, with the National Semiconductor Mission backed by Rs 76,000 crore, alongside the IndiaAI Mission and PLI for quantum technologies to enhance self-reliance.
- Rise of Unicorns & Cleantech: India has over 100 unicorns, the 3rd-largest ecosystem globally. The private sector leads in Cleantech, with startups like Ather Energy and Ola Electric.
- Geographical Diversification: Initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are decentralizing innovation, with over 45% of DPIIT-recognized startups emerging from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
What are the Barriers to India’s Innovation Ecosystem?
- Inadequate Financial Investment: India’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) remains ~0.7% of GDP, far below leading innovative nations like the United States (3.5%), South Korea (4.9%), and Israel (5.6%), highlighting a critical funding gap.
- Dominance of Public Sector in R&D Funding: India’s innovation ecosystem is largely publicly funded, with the private sector contributing only 36.4% (2020–21), unlike advanced economies where industry leads R&D investment.
- Additionally, a disconnect between academic research and industry needs limits interdisciplinary collaboration and commercialization of research.
- Skewed Focus Towards Strategic Sectors: Historical R&D focus on defense and space technology (e.g., Agni missile systems, space missions) has led to under-investment in industrial R&D for emerging areas like semiconductors, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals.
- Risk-Averse Industrial Culture: Industries prefer importing proven technologies over high-risk, long-gestation indigenous R&D; startups focus on business model innovations in IT services and e-commerce rather than foundational deep-tech research.
- Bureaucratic Hurdles: Despite achievements by DRDO, ISRO, BARC laboratories, technology transfer to the market is impeded by procedural delays, intellectual property challenges, and lack of streamlined processes.
What Reforms are Needed to Strengthen India's Innovation Ecosystem?
- Boost R&D Investment: India should boost R&D spending over the next decade, increase private and philanthropic contributions, and fully deploy the Rs 1 lakh crore innovation fund (Union Budget 2025–26) within 3–5 years to accelerate deep-tech research.
- Promote University-Led Research: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can drive upstream research to expand knowledge frontiers and help industry commercialize mature technologies.
- Establish Public-Private Innovation Hubs: India should establish sector-specific innovation hubs in AI, semiconductors, and clean energy, linking government, academia, and industry, and providing shared resources like testing facilities, prototype labs, and venture funds.
- Facilitate Cross-Sector Collaboration: Sector-specific industry councils can guide policy, pinpoint funding gaps, and channel resources to critical innovation sectors. For instance, a CleanTech Council could prioritize solar, EVs, and energy efficiency.
- Regional Innovation Clusters: Regional innovation clusters in non-metro areas can leverage local government and private resources to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting rural agri-tech and social enterprises with funding, mentorship, and infrastructure.
Conclusion
India’s innovation ecosystem has advanced significantly, reaching 38th in GII 2025 and topping lower-middle-income economies. While strategic policies have driven this rise, challenges remain in R&D funding, industry-academia collaboration, and private sector investment. Sustaining growth will require increasing GERD, promoting deep-tech, and building synergistic ecosystems to evolve from a startup hub into a global innovation leader.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Critically evaluate the barriers in India’s innovation ecosystem and suggest reforms to enhance deep-tech research and commercialization.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)? (2015)
- NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.
- NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. (2014)
Unified Payments Interface
24-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a note titled Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability, emphasizing the role of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in transforming India's digital payment ecosystem.
What is Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?
- About: UPI is a real-time mobile payment system developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
- It allows users to link multiple bank accounts into one app for seamless peer-to-peer and merchant transactions.
- Working: UPI enables both push (send) and pull (receive) transactions using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), with two-factor authentication, eliminating the need to enter bank details each time.
- Technologies Used: UPI is built on IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) and integrates Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS).
- IMPS facilitates funds transfer to an account of the beneficiary with a participating bank, based on beneficiary's Mobile Number & Mobile Money Identification Number (MMID) or Account number & Indian Financial System Code (IFSC).
- The AePS allows basic banking services like cash withdrawal, deposit, balance enquiry, and money transfer (interbank or intrabank) using Aadhaar authentication.
- BHIM App: Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) is a UPI-based payment app developed by NPCI.
How Has UPI Transformed India’s Digital Payment Ecosystem?
- Scale and Adoption: UPI processed Rs 24.03 lakh crore through 18.39 billion transactions in June 2025.
- UPI now serves 491 million users and 65 million merchants, connecting over 675 banks on one platform.
- India’s UPI is now the world’s top real-time payment system, processing over 640 million daily transactions more than Visa’s 639 million and powers 85% of India’s digital payments and nearly 50% of global real-time payments.
- UPI has integrated digital payments into daily life in India, enabling instant 24/7 transactions and easy management of all bank accounts through one app.
- Two-factor authentication ensures safety, while UPI IDs protect privacy by avoiding the need to share sensitive bank details. Quick Response (QR) codes make payments at shops fast and easy.
- Interoperability: UPI enabled seamless, platform-agnostic payments by removing the limits of closed-loop systems like restricted wallets or bank-specific transfers.
- It allows users to transact across different apps and banks, making digital payments easier and more flexible.
- This openness also pushed apps to compete and improve, driving innovation and better user experience.
- Financial Inclusion: UPI’s zero-cost, real-time transfers have made digital payments accessible for small vendors and first-time users.
- It has empowered millions of kirana stores and micro-businesses, while also promoting digital literacy and building trust in digital finance.
- Global Reach and Diplomacy: UPI is now live in 7 countries, including the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, and Mauritius.
- Its launch in France marks its entry into Europe. India is also pushing for UPI to be adopted across BRICS nations, which would boost remittances and simplify payments for Indians abroad.
Digital Foundation Behind UPI
- UPI’s global success is rooted in years of investment in digital infrastructure, with India building a strong foundation through the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion), Aadhaar (digital identity), and Mobile connectivity) along with affordable internet.
- As of mid-July 2025, Jan Dhan Yojana opened over 55.9 crore bank accounts, bringing millions into the formal financial system and enabling direct benefit transfers.
- Aadhaar gave every resident a unique biometric-linked identity. With over 142 crore Aadhaar numbers generated by June 2025, it enabled secure authentication and underpinned services like UPI.
- Connectivity improved rapidly with one of the world’s fastest 5G rollouts (4.74 lakh base stations now cover almost all districts).
- Data costs dropped from Rs 308/GB in 2014 to Rs 9.34 in 2022, supporting 116 crore mobile users.
- These pillars made UPI the world’s top real-time payment system and a global model for digital finance.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements: (2018)
- BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account.
- While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Q2. Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’? (2017)
(a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.
(b) Digital currency will totally replace the physical currency in about two decades.
(c) FDI inflows will drastically increase.
(d) Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective.
Ans: (a)
Q3. Consider the following statements: (2017)
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) helps in promoting the financial inclusion in the country.
- NPCI has launched RuPay, a card payment scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Bharat NCX 2025
24-07-2025
Source: PIB
Bharat NCX 2025, India’s premier national cybersecurity exercise ( 21st July– 1st August, 2025), was inaugurated with the theme ‘Enhancing the Operational Preparedness of Indian Cyberspace’.
- Organizers: Conducted by National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).
- Objective: Strengthen cyber resilience through real-world attack simulations (critical infrastructure breaches, deepfakes, and AI-driven malware).
- Special Initiatives:
- Strategic Decision-Making Exercise (STRATEX): Enhances senior leadership response to national cyber crises.
- Chief Information Security Officers Conclave: Engages top security officers to discuss emerging trends and frameworks.
- Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition: Showcases indigenous innovations strengthening digital self-reliance.

Limits of Household Stability
24-01-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, India’s macroeconomic indicators present a picture of aggregate stability and relative strength amidst global uncertainty.
Summary
- Despite stable macro indicators ahead of Union Budget 2026, RBI data reveal declining and volatile household savings, rising debt, and increasing reliance on credit to sustain consumption, shifting economic risk from the State to households.
- Debt-financed consumption and growing unsecured credit threaten financial stability, widen inequality, strain banks, and weaken India’s demographic dividend, underscoring the need to boost real incomes, savings, and social safety nets.
What are the Concerns Regarding the Household Stability?
- Declining and Volatile Household Savings: Net financial savings recovered to 7.6% of GDP in the last quarter of 2024-25, but this came after a compression to about 3-4% of GDP in the preceding quarter.
- Such volatility weakens households’ capacity to absorb income, health, or employment shocks.
- Rising Household Debt: Household debt increased from about 36% of GDP in 2021 to 41.3% in March 2025.
- According to the RBI’s Annual Report 2024–25, real income growth remains uneven, income gains are concentrated in formal sectors, while informal and self-employed workers face stagnant or volatile earnings, constraining consistent savings.
- Borrowing Driven Consumption: Stable consumption despite weak income growth indicates rising reliance on credit.
- Private consumption contributes nearly 60% of GDP. Dependence on debt-supported consumption increases the risk of abrupt spending contraction during economic stress.
- Debt-financed consumption offers limited adjustment space during downturns and heightens vulnerability to interest-rate changes.
- Faster Growth of Financial Liabilities: While gross household financial assets stood at 106.6% of GDP, liabilities rose to 41.3% of GDP by March 2025. Faster liability accumulation explains the compression of net financial savings.
- Rising Exposure to Unsecured Retail Credit: Rapid growth in unsecured personal loans and credit cards increases household vulnerability, as these loans carry higher interest rates and limited repayment flexibility during stress periods.
- A rising share of fresh savings is offset by new borrowing, reducing households’ ability to manage shocks from unemployment, inflation, or medical emergencies.
- Fiscal Consolidation Shifting Risk to Households: Budgets 2024–25 show States and the Union prioritising capital expenditure while compressing revenue spending. With 30–32% of State revenues locked into salaries, pensions, and interest, fiscal space for income support has shrunk.
- While this investment-led strategy boosts medium-term growth, it does little to cushion short-term income shocks, leading to a quiet shift of economic risk from governments to households.
What are the Implications of Volatile Household Savings?
- Macroeconomic Implications:
- The "Savings-Investment" Gap: A decline in household savings compels the government and the private sector to depend more on Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) and external borrowing; however, with FPIs aggressively exiting India and withdrawing a record ₹1.66 lakh crore in 2025, this reliance heightens vulnerability to external shocks and financing stress.
- Fiscal Deficit Crowding Out: With lower domestic savings available, the government may find it harder to fund its fiscal deficit at low interest rates.
- This could lead to higher borrowing costs for the state, "crowding out" private investment.
- Financial Systemic Implications:
- Deterioration of Bank Funding Quality: Traditionally, banks relied on low-cost, stable household deposits.
- The shift towards Financialization (households moving money to Mutual Funds/Equities) forces banks to use expensive wholesale funding, which is more volatile and squeezes bank margins (NIMs).
- Asset Quality Stress: A significant portion of current debt is unsecured retail credit (personal loans, credit cards).
- These are "first-loss" assets; if the economy slows, defaults in this segment hit bank balance sheets directly without any collateral to recover.
- Market Volatility Risk: As more households enter the stock market via systematic investment plans (SIPs) without a "safety buffer" of bank deposits, a prolonged market crash could lead to panic withdrawals, creating a feedback loop that destabilizes both the equity market and household wealth.
- Socio-Economic Implications:
- Threat to the Demographic Dividend: If a large portion of household income is diverted to debt servicing (EMIs), investment in "Human Capital" (quality education and nutrition for children) often takes a backseat, undermining India’s long-term productivity.
- Rising Inequality: The "K-shaped" stability trend shows that while high-income households see their wealth grow via stock markets, low-income groups are borrowing to survive.
- This widens the wealth gap and can lead to social friction.
What Steps are Needed to Improve the Household Savings?
- Recalibrating Inflation Targets: The government and RBI should review the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket to better reflect the rising costs of education and healthcare, ensuring that monetary policy accurately protects the purchasing power of the middle class.
- Incentivizing Financial Savings: Tax incentives for traditional long-term savings instruments (like PPF or long-term bank deposits) should be enhanced to discourage excessive shift toward high-risk speculative markets.
- Focus on Real Wage Growth: Policy must pivot toward creating high-quality, formal-sector jobs.
- Strengthening Social Safety Nets: By expanding the reach of affordable public healthcare and insurance (like Ayushman Bharat), the government can reduce the "precautionary" need for households to hold large sums of cash or borrow during health crises.
- Financial Literacy and Regulation: The RBI must continue its proactive stance on "macro-prudential measures," such as increasing risk weights on unsecured loans, to prevent households from falling into a permanent debt trap.
Conclusion
Stability that depends on households taking out loans to maintain demand is not self-sustaining. As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, the key fiscal task is to restore balance in the household budgeting calculus to ensure that India’s growth story is both inclusive and resilient.
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Drishti Mains Question:
How does declining household savings affect macroeconomic stability and external sector sustainability in India?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are household savings in India considered unstable?
Net financial savings have become volatile, falling to 3–4% of GDP in some quarters, weakening households’ ability to absorb income and employment shocks.
2. Why is rising household debt a concern despite moderate debt-to-GDP levels?
Debt growth is driven by uneven income growth and unsecured credit, making repayment vulnerable to interest-rate hikes and economic slowdowns.
3. How does debt-financed consumption impact India’s growth model?
With private consumption forming nearly 60% of GDP, reliance on credit increases the risk of abrupt demand contraction during stress periods.
4. What risks does unsecured retail credit pose to banks?
Unsecured loans are high-interest and first-loss assets, directly impacting bank balance sheets during economic downturns.
Mains
Q. Among several factors for India’s potential growth, the savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? (2017)

India’s Power Sector Milestones 2025
24-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The year 2025 proved to be a landmark period for the Ministry of Power, as India’s power sector achieved record milestones, establishing a strong foundation for sustainable growth and enhanced energy security.
What are the Key Achievements of the Ministry of Power in the Year 2025?
- Record Supply & Reliability: Successfully met an all-time peak power demand of 242.49 GW in FY 2025-26, reducing national energy shortages to a mere 0.03% from 4.2% in 2013-14. It significantly increased rural and urban power availability to 22.6 and 23.4 hours, respectively.
- India's power sector is poised for massive growth with a projected investment of USD 450 billion by 2032.
- Massive Capacity Expansion: Total installed power generation capacity surged to around 509 GW (as of November, 2025), a 104.4% increase since 2014, with 55.57 GW added in 2025.
- Renewable energy capacity additions since 2014 stand at 178 GW, including 130 GW solar and 33 GW wind.

- Thermal & Coal Security: Awarded 13.32 GW of new coal capacity in FY 2025-26, with total capacity at 226.23 GW. Coal stocks were maintained at robust levels (51.7 metric ton (MT), supported by the revised SHAKTI Policy 2025 to enhance coal allocation and energy security.
- Storage & Transmission Push: Set targets for 57 GW of Pump Storage Projects (PSP) by 2031-32 and 43,220 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) under Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Schemes.
- The National Electricity Plan (2023-32) aims to expand the transmission network to 6.48 lakh Circuit Kilometers (ckm) by 2032 and approved 25.8 GW of RE-linked Inter State Transmission projects in 2025.
- Currently, India’s national power transmission network stands at around 5 lakh ckm.
- Distribution Reforms & Consumer Focus: Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), sanctioned 19.79 crore prepaid Smart meters, reducing AT&C losses to 16.16% and the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and the Average Revenue Realized (ARR) gap to Rs 0.11/kWh.
- Energy Efficiency & Carbon Market Launch: Introduced the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) for compliance (covering Aluminium, Cement etc.) and offset mechanisms.
- Critical Regulatory Reforms: Late Payment Surcharge Rules, 2022 drastically reduced legacy dues of DISCOMs from Rs 1,39,947 crore to Rs 8,005 crore. The Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2025 allowed consumer-owned energy storage.
- Climate Commitment Achieved: Achieved its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) target of 50% cumulative non-fossil electric capacity nearly five years early, with the share rising from 32% in 2014 to 51% by October 2025.

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)
- About: CCTS represents a pivotal policy shift, moving India from a mechanism focused on energy efficiency to a comprehensive market-based system aimed at directly pricing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) to meet its ambitious climate targets.
- Core Objective: The CCTS is a market-based mechanism designed to decarbonize the Indian economy by pricing GHG emissions and facilitating a national carbon trading system.
- Evolution from PAT: It transitions from the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme (focused on energy efficiency via Energy Savings Certificates (ESCerts)) to a focus on reducing GHG emission intensity per tonne of output.
- Key Instrument: It issues Carbon Credit Certificates (CCC), each representing a reduction of one-tonne CO2 equivalent (tCO2e).
- Dual Mechanism: Operates through:
- Compliance Mechanism: Mandates energy-intensive industries (e.g., Aluminium, Cement, Fertilizers, Iron & Steel) to meet sector-specific GHG reduction targets.
- Offset Mechanism: Allows voluntary participation from entities outside the compliance framework to earn credits.
- Sectoral Coverage: Initially targets sectors accounting for 16% of India’s total emissions (Iron & Steel, Aluminium, etc.). The power sector (40% of emissions) may be included later.
- Regulatory Framework: Overseen by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM).
- Strategic Importance: Directly supports India’s goal to cut emission intensity by 45% by 2030 by driving private sector investment in clean technologies, renewables, and carbon capture.

Conclusion
In 2025, India's power sector achieved transformative milestones in reliability, capacity (509.7 GW), renewables (178 GW), and reforms, dramatically reducing deficits and advancing its NDC target, thereby solidifying its path towards sustainable energy security and a robust green economy.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the role of the Indian Carbon Market and the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in driving industrial decarbonization and positioning India in the global green finance landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was India’s peak power demand met in FY 2025–26?
India successfully met a record 242.49 GW peak demand, with energy shortages reduced to 0.03%.
2. How much total installed power capacity did India achieve by 2025?
Installed capacity reached 509.743 GW, more than doubling since 2014.
3. What is the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)?
The CCTS is a market-based mechanism designed to decarbonize the Indian economy by pricing GHG emissions and facilitating a national carbon trading system.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)
- It is a Public Limited Government Company.
- It is a Non-Banking Financial Company.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)

INSV Kaundinya Reached Oman
24-01-2026
Source: PIB
INSV Kaundinya reached Muscat’s Port Sultan Qaboos after completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar (Gujarat), highlighting the shared maritime heritage of India and Oman.
INSV Kaundinya
- About: INSV Kaundinya is India’s first ‘stitched ship’ built using the ancient stitched shipbuilding (Tankai) method. It aims to revive the 2000-year-old Tankai method, a forgotten indigenous technique.
- Tankai Method: An ancient technique using stitched planks (with coir ropes) and no metal fasteners (like iron nails), making ships flexible and rust-proof.
- Employs indigenous materials like coir, dammar resin, and animal fat for waterproofing.
- Involves a unique hull-first construction, unlike Western frame-first methods.
- Design & Inspiration: Modeled after vessels depicted in the 5th-century Ajanta cave paintings. The design draws inspiration from the ancient Sanskrit text Yuktikalpataru (by King Bhoja, 9th century CE) and accounts of foreign travellers.
- Features symbolic motifs like the Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle of the Kadamba dynasty emblem), Sun motifs, Simha Yali (mythical lion), and a Harappan-style stone anchor.
- Historical Significance: Named after Kaundinya, a legendary 1st-century Indian mariner to make overseas voyages with global historical impact. Kaundinya is credited with sailing to the Mekong Delta and co-founding the Kingdom of Funan (modern Cambodia), one of the earliest Indianised states in Southeast Asia.


CAG Report on the Fiscal Health of States
23-09-2025
Source:IE
Why in News?
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) released its first decadal analysis on the fiscal health of 28 Indian states, showing that their public debt (internal borrowings plus loans from the Centre) has tripled in 10 years, reaching Rs 59.6 lakh crore in FY 2022-23, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability.
What are the Key Findings of the CAG Report on States’ Fiscal Health?
- Debt Growth in a Decade: States’ total public debt increased 3.39 times from Rs 17.57 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 59.60 lakh crore in 2022-23.
- Debt as a share of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) (value of all finished goods and services produced within a state’s geographical boundaries) rose from 16.66% to 22.96%, showing a heavier fiscal burden.
- States’ debt stood at 22.17% of India’s country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022-23.
- State-wise Variations: Punjab (40.35%), Nagaland (37.15%), and West Bengal (33.70%) had the highest debt ratios, while Odisha (8.45%), Maharashtra (14.64%), and Gujarat (16.37%) had the lowest.
- Debt vs revenue capacity: On average, states’ debt has been about 150% of their revenue receipts, peaking at 191% in 2020-21 during Covid-19.
- Sources of borrowing: Loans raised from open market through securities, treasury bills, bonds, banks, Reserve Bank of India (RBI’s) Ways and Means Advances, and institutions like Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
- Centre’s Role: Loans from the Union government increased due to GST compensation shortfall and special assistance for capital expenditure.
- Golden rule violations: The Golden Rule of Fiscal Policy states governments should borrow only for capital investment, not for current spending.
- However, at least 11 states used borrowings to cover day-to-day expenditure rather than capital investment, in Andhra Pradesh and Punjab, less than 25% of borrowings went into capital projects.
What are the Reasons for High State Debt in India?
- Reduced Fiscal Autonomy Post-GST: The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 centralized tax collection, leaving states with fewer avenues to generate revenue independently.
- Moreover, the decline in their share of tax revenue due to new central cesses and surcharges further curtails their fiscal space.
- Fiscal Imbalance: States collect less than a third of the total revenues but are responsible for nearly two-thirds of the public expenditure.
- This significant revenue-expenditure mismatch forces states to borrow to meet their spending needs.
- High Reliance on Market Borrowings: Over time, states have increasingly turned to market borrowings, which account for a larger portion of state debt.
- Market borrowings come at a higher cost compared to other debt instruments, leading to an increased financial burden on states.
- Contingent Liabilities: State governments often undertake projects that involve financial guarantees (e.g., infrastructure projects), creating potential future financial obligations, known as contingent liabilities. These liabilities pose risks to fiscal health.
- Higher Interest Rates: States face relatively higher borrowing costs compared to the central government, which increases the total debt servicing burden.
- Historical Debt Accumulation: States with a history of high debt levels are forced to borrow more to service existing debt, creating a debt trap that’s difficult to escape.
What are the Implications of Rising State Public Debt in India?
- Threat to Fiscal Federalism: Rising debt limits fiscal autonomy of States and increases central control over state finances, undermining the federal structure.
- Fiscal Sustainability Risks: High debt servicing costs limit funds for developmental spending, potentially leading to a debt trap where states borrow more to repay existing debt.
- Impact on Economic Growth: States may have reduced capacity for investment in critical sectors like infrastructure, slowing long-term growth.
- Inflation and Interest Rate Risks: Higher borrowing costs and inflationary pressure can destabilize the economy and increase fiscal stress.
- Regional Disparities: States with higher debt-to-GDP ratios may face increased fiscal distress, creating greater regional inequalities in fiscal health.
- Impact on Social Welfare: States may cut back on welfare programs and public services, negatively affecting vulnerable populations.
How can States Reduce Debt Burden while Maintaining Fiscal Health?
- Enhancing Revenue Generation: Enhance tax collection efficiency by expanding the tax base, and broadening tax scopes through economic formalization.
- States can explore innovative revenue sources like mining royalties, tourism, and public asset monetization.
- Rationalizing Expenditures: States should prioritize capital expenditure for long-term investments, control discretionary spending, and rationalize inefficient welfare programs.
- Debt Restructuring: States should refinance high-interest debt, seek lower-cost debt sources (e.g., National Small Savings Fund (NSSF), Green Bonds or Infrastructure Bonds), and set debt ceilings to keep debt-to-GDP ratios within limits, as per the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003.
- Promoting Investment: Focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and foreign direct investment (FDI) in key sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy.
- This can reduce the burden on state finances while leveraging private sector expertise.
- Create Contingency Funds: Set up rainy day funds or contingency funds to cover unforeseen fiscal needs, helping to avoid excessive borrowing during times of economic shocks or natural disasters.
- Enhancing Central-State Fiscal Cooperation : Increase states' share of central revenues as per the Finance Commission, and ensure timely GST compensation to reduce short-term borrowing needs.
- Improving Public Financial Management: Implement performance-based budgeting with the aid of Fiscal Health Index (FHI) and link expenditure to outcomes, and use technology to streamline procurement and reduce inefficiencies.
- Social Safety Nets: Strengthen social safety nets that protect the most vulnerable without placing excessive strain on state budgets.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. In the context of rising state debt in India, discuss the importance of strengthening public financial management.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)
- The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the State Governments.
- The Central Government has domestic liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to that of 49% of GDP of the State Governments.
- As per the Constitution of India, it is mandatory for a State to take the Central Government’s consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Mains:
Q. Public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in the context of budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it. (2019)
Towards Drug Free India
23-08-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India is grappling with an escalating drug abuse crisis. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched to address this issue and has now completed five years of implementation.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
- About: Launched on 15th August 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- It aims to raise awareness on substance use, focusing on educational institutions, universities, and schools.
- It targets the identification of dependent populations and strengthens counseling and treatment facilities.
- Initially focused on 272 vulnerable districts, now extended to all districts in India.
- 3-Pronged Strategy: Three-pronged strategy—supply control, demand reduction, and medical treatment.
- Key Achievements:
- Mass Sensitisation (18.10+ crore people, 4.85+ lakh institutions)
- Youth Mobilisation (1.67+ crore students, pledge & events)
- Digital & Tech Integration (social media, website, app, geo-tagging)
- Volunteer Network (20,000+ Master Volunteers)
- Community Outreach (campaigns, monitoring, awareness drives)
- Collaborations (MoUs with spiritual/social organisations including The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mission, Ram Chandra Mission (Daaji), ISKCON etc).
Prevalence of Drug Abuse in India
- Drug Addiction: Around 10 crore people in India are affected by narcotics (NCB data). States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab recorded the highest FIRs under the NDPS Act (2019–2021).
- Major Consumed Drugs: According to the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use (2019), about 16 crore people (14.6%) aged 10–75 use alcohol, while 3.1 crore (2.8%) use cannabis.
2 Major Drug-Producing Regions in World
- Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan): Major opium hub affecting J&K, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
- Golden Triangle (Laos, Myanmar, Thailand): Key heroin-producing region (Myanmar approx 80% of global supply), with trafficking routes passing through India, making it a vulnerable transit and consumption zone.

What are the Key Challenges in Drug Control India?
- Mnemonic: DOPE
- D – Dark Net & New Substances: Rise of new psychoactive substances and illicit online trade using darknet and cryptocurrency.
- O – Organizational & Infrastructure Gaps: Lack of trained personnel, forensic labs, rehab centers, and specialized facilities.
- P – Poor Awareness & Prevention: Inadequate education, weak community-level awareness, especially in rural and youth populations.
- E – Exclusion & Stigma in Addiction Treatment: Social stigma and high demand discourage rehabilitation, limiting control efforts.
What Measures Should be Taken to Eradicate Drug Abuse in India?
- Mnemonic: SAFE
- S – Strengthen Law Enforcement: Enhance NDPS act, 1985 & Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, 1988 implementation with adequate resources, training, modern equipment, robust intelligence & surveillance, and inter-agency coordination.
- A – Awareness & Prevention: Expand treatment and rehabilitation facilities, strictly following National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for awareness campaigns on de-addiction, and rehabilitation.
- F – Focus on Supply Reduction: Improve border control, use advanced technology such as AI, Big Data, drones, satellites, and online citizen reporting systems, support alternative livelihoods for illicit crop farmers (e.g., Jharkhand poppy scheme), and intercept supply chains.
- E – Enhance International Cooperation: Collaborate with neighboring countries, UNODC, Interpol to track and prevent drug trafficking.
- World Drug Day 2024 |Drug Abuse Problem in India | Government Initiative | UPSC |Drishti IAS English
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. Consider the following statements: (2019)
- The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
- The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
- A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
Which of the statements given above is correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Mains:
Q. India’s proximity to the two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same? (2018)

Kerala ‘First’ Digitally Literate State in India
23-08-2025
Source: IE
Kerala has been declared the first fully digitally literate state in India, marking a milestone in bridging the digital divide through the Digi Keralam Project.
- Digi Keralam Project targeted senior citizens, homemakers, and digitally excluded groups, using youth volunteers and the K-SMART (Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation) platform to provide online access services, boosting inclusion and governance.
- Earlier in 2002, the Akshaya project was launched by then President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in Kerala, to make one family member digitally literate, promoting IT access and citizen service delivery across the state.
Digital Literacy in India
- Digital Literacy: It is the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions within life situations.
- According to the Central Board for Workers Education Only 38% of India households are digitally literate (61% in urban areas and 25% in rural areas).
- Initiatives Promoting Digital Literacy:
- The Government of India implemented two digital literacy schemes, National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) and Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA), with a cumulative target of 52.50 lakh beneficiaries across the country (one person from every eligible household).
- Under these two schemes, 53.67 lakh beneficiaries were trained, with 42% from rural India. Both schemes have now been closed.
- Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Aims to promote digital literacy in rural India,6.39 crore individuals trained nationwide till March 2024.

Death of Cheetah at Kuno National Park
23-07-2025
Source: TH
An 8-year-old Namibian female cheetah, Nabha, died at Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh due to injuries sustained during a likely hunting attempt.
- Project Cheetah:
- About: Cheetah Reintroduction Project (Project Cheetah) was launched in 2022, with the aim to reintroduce cheetahs to India (declared extinct in 1952) as part of global cheetah conservation efforts.
- Implementing Agencies: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- Implementation: Phase 1 involved translocating cheetahs from Namibia (2022) and South Africa (2023) to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
- Under Phase-2 of the Project India is considering sourcing cheetahs from Kenya due to similar habitats.
- Cheetahs will be translocated to Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh).

Supreme Court Verdict on DTAA
23-01-2026
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that Tiger Global’s USD 1.6-billion stake sale in Flipkart to Walmart (2018) is taxable in India, denying the benefits of the India–Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and enforcing the General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR).
What are the Key Facts of the Tiger Global Case?
- Key Legal Dispute: Tiger Global, a prominent venture capital investor, sold its Flipkart stake for USD 1.6 billion to Walmart in 2018, leading to a legal tussle with Indian tax authorities over capital gains tax liability.
- India's SC overturned the August 2024 Delhi High Court (HC) judgment, which had quashed an Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) order denying DTAA benefits.
- AAR is a quasi-judicial body that provides binding rulings on specific tax questions, offering taxpayers clarity before transactions to reduce uncertainty and potential litigation.
- Supreme Court’s Legal Reasoning: The SC held that DTAA benefits cannot be claimed mechanically and rejected reliance on Tax Residency Certificates (TRCs) alone, as the India-Mauritius DTAA applies only where assets are directly owned by a Mauritian entity. It emphasized economic substance, control, and management, concluding the entities’ “head and brain” lay outside Mauritius, particularly in the USA.
- A TRC is issued by a country’s tax authority to confirm an entity’s tax residency for a specific period. It is essential for claiming DTAA benefits, such as avoiding double taxation.
- Role of AAR and High Court: The AAR’s 2020 order denied DTAA grandfathering benefits, ruling the investment structure was prima facie for tax avoidance, a finding later struck down by the Delhi HC as arbitrary. The SC reversed the Delhi HC, restoring the AAR’s substance-over-form approach.
- Grandfathering in tax is a legal provision that protects existing investments from new tax laws by allowing them to be taxed under older, more favorable rules. Under the India–Mauritius DTAA, it protected capital gains from investments made before 1st April, 2017, which were taxed only in Mauritius—that is, 0% tax in India—even after the treaty was amended.
- Implications: The ruling signals a major shift, ending automatic DTAA claims based solely on residency certificates. Investors must demonstrate genuine economic substance, autonomous decision-making, and commercial rationale for DTAA benefits.
- Investors face elevated tax litigation risk, with tools like tax insurance expected to become scarcer and costlier.
- The decision arrives amid a broader slowdown in Indian startup funding, which fell to USD 10.5 billion in 2025, a 17% decline from 2024, with notable drops in seed-stage (down 30%) and late-stage funding (down 26%).
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
- About: A DTAA is a bilateral (or occasionally multilateral) agreement entered into between two sovereign countries to prevent or mitigate double taxation on income or capital gains arising from cross-border activities, where an individual or entity could be taxed both in their country of residence and the country where the income is sourced.
- Key Relief Mechanisms: DTAAs provide relief primarily through two methods: the Exemption Method (income taxed in only one country) and the Credit Method (resident country grants a credit for taxes paid in the source country).
- Indian Context & Procedure: India has an extensive network of over 90 DTAAs. To claim benefits, a taxpayer must furnish a TRC from their country of residence, along with other required declarations.
- DTAA Misuse and Redressal: India has faced DTAA misuse through treaty shopping, round-tripping, and shell companies in jurisdictions like Mauritius, Singapore, and Cyprus.
- To counter this, the government amended key DTAA treaties, introducing source-based taxation and Limitation of Benefits (LOB) clauses to require substantive economic presence.
- Domestically, the GAAR was implemented in 2017 to deny treaty benefits for arrangements primarily aimed at tax avoidance.

General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR)
- About: GAAR is an anti-tax evasion measure that empowers Indian authorities to deny tax benefits for arrangements whose primary purpose is tax avoidance, prioritizing the economic substance of transactions over their legal form.
- Objective: India's GAAR came into effect on 1st April 2017, with the objective of curbing aggressive tax planning and treaty shopping.
- Triggering Conditions: GAAR applies where the main purpose is to obtain a tax benefit and meets any one test:
- Commercial Substance Test: Absence of real operations, personnel, or decision-making authority
- Rights and Obligations Test: Artificial creation of rights or obligations to secure tax benefits
- Misuse or Abuse of Law: Exploitation of loopholes in treaties or domestic law
- Non-arm’s-length test: Deviation from normal commercial practices.
- Consequences of Invocation: If applied, authorities can deny treaty benefits (like capital gains exemptions), disregard intermediary entities, recharacterize transactions, reallocate income to India, and levy tax, interest, and penalties.
- Supremacy over Treaties: A critical feature is that under Indian law, GAAR overrides tax treaties, meaning treaty benefits can be denied if GAAR is triggered—a position now firmly upheld by the Supreme Court.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did the Supreme Court decide in the Tiger Global–Flipkart case?
The SC held that Tiger Global’s USD 1.6-billion Flipkart stake sale (2018) is taxable in India, denying India–Mauritius DTAA benefits.
2. What is ‘grandfathering’ under the India–Mauritius DTAA?
It protected capital gains from investments made before April 1, 2017, taxing them only in Mauritius (0% in India), subject to anti-abuse scrutiny.
3. How does GAAR affect tax treaties in India?
GAAR overrides tax treaties, allowing authorities to deny DTAA benefits if an arrangement’s primary purpose is tax avoidance.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. Which one of the following effects of creation of black money in India has been the main cause of worry to the Government of India? (2021)
(a) Diversion of resources to the purchase of real estate and investment in luxury housing.
(b) Investment in unproductive activities and purchase of precious stones, jewellery, gold, etc.
(c) Large donations to political parties and growth of regionalism.
(d) Loss of revenue to the State Exchequer due to tax evasion.
Ans: (d)
Q. With reference to India’s decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2018)
- It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act.
- Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the “Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements”.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
SC to Examine Whether ED is a ‘Juristic Person’
23-01-2026
Source: TH
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has agreed to examine petitions filed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala seeking clarity on whether the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is a ‘juristic person’ entitled to approach High Courts under Article 226 of the Constitution.
- A ‘juristic person’ is a non-human legal entity (such as a corporation) recognised by law as having rights and duties, including the capacity to sue or be sued.
- Kerala’s Contentions: The State argued that the ED filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging a State-appointed Commission of Inquiry (related to the gold smuggling case) without having the locus standi (legal standing) to do so.
- Tamil Nadu’s Stand: Supporting Kerala, Tamil Nadu accused the ED of abusing the process of law by seeking a mandamus from the Madras High Court regarding illegal mining cases, arguing such writs are "misconceived and unmaintainable."
- Statutory Body vs. Body Corporate: Both States contend that statutory bodies can exercise only powers expressly granted by statute, and ED is not vested with the power to sue under either FEMA , 1999 or the PMLA, 2002.
- Unlike a body corporate, the ED lacks the specific statutory power to claim legal status as a juristic person.
- Judicial Precedent: Both States relied on the Supreme Court judgment in Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt of AP vs. Collector (2003), which established that the ability of a legal entity to sue or be sued is a matter of substantive law, not just procedure.
Role of Article 226 of the Indian Constitution
- Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs( Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto) for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
- Unlike Article 32, Article 226 has a wider scope, as High Courts can issue writs not only for Fundamental Rights but also for “any other purpose”, including legal and statutory rights.
- It acts as a constitutional check on executive and administrative action, ensuring legality, fairness, and accountability of government authorities.
- Both individuals and legal entities can approach High Courts under Article 226, provided they have locus standi and a legally enforceable right.
- It plays a crucial role in Centre–State relations, allowing States or authorities to challenge actions of central agencies and vice versa.
India's LFPR Hits Record 56.1% in 2025
23-01-2026
Source: IE
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – December 2025 shows a consistent recovery with workforce participation reaching yearly highs while unemployment rates remain broadly stable.
- The monthly data is based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach, assessing a person’s activity status (employed, unemployed, or out of the labour force) over the 7 days preceding the survey.
Key Highlights
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR for persons aged 15+ continued its upward trend since June 2025, reaching 56.1% in December 2025.
- LFPR is the percentage of the working-age population (15–59 years) that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
- Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR reached its yearly peak at 53.4%. Rural male WPR showed strong performance at 76.0%, and women at 38.6% indicating robust rural employment.
- WPR is the percentage of the working-age population that is actually employed.
- Unemployment Scenario: Overall Unemployment Rate (UR) remained stable at 4.8%. Rural UR was steady at 3.9% while urban UR increased slightly to 6.7%.
- Urban female UR showed a significant decline to 9.1% from its yearly peak of 9.7% in October 2025.
- Rural-Urban Divide: A clear disparity persists with rural LFPR (59.0%) substantially higher than urban LFPR (50.2%), and urban unemployment consistently exceeding rural levels.

Bureau of Port Security
22-12-2025
Source: PIB
The Government of India has decided to set up a dedicated statutory body, the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), to ensure comprehensive and risk-based security of ports and vessels across India.
- Bureau of Port Security (BoPS): It will be constituted as a statutory body under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
- BoPS will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and perform regulatory and oversight functions for the security of ships and port facilities.
- The BoPS shall be headed by the Director General (an IPS officer of Pay Level-15). During the one-year transition period, the Director General of Shipping (DGS/DGMA) shall function as the Director General, BoPS.
- The Bureau is modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), indicating sectoral best practices transfer.
- Under BoPS, a dedicated cyber security division will be established to protect port IT and digital infrastructure, highlighting the growing relevance of maritime cyber threats.
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Earlier, to strengthen port security infrastructure, the CISF has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for ports, with the responsibility of conducting security assessments and preparing port security plans.
- Under the new arrangement, the CISF is mandated to train and certify Private Security Agencies (PSAs) engaged in port security, with regulatory safeguards to ensure that only licensed agencies operate in the sector.
- Broader Significance: Experiences and best practices from BoPS-led maritime security are intended to be replicated in the aviation security domain, strengthening integrated internal security governance.
Gaps in Juvenile Justice System in India
22-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
A first-of-its-kind study by the India Justice Report (IJR), titled “Juvenile Justice and Children in Conflict with the Law,” highlights significant challenges in India’s juvenile justice system, delaying justice for children in conflict with the law.
What are the Critical Gaps Highlighted by the India Justice Report in the Juvenile Justice System?
- High Pendency of Cases: Over 55% of cases before Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) were pending as of October, 2023.
- Pendency ranged from 83% in Odisha to 35% in Karnataka. On an average, 154 cases remained pending with each JJB annually.
- Structural Gaps in JJB Constitution: 24% of JJBs were not fully constituted, affecting quorum, decision-making, and timely hearings. 30% of JJBs lack a legal services clinic, weakening timely legal representation for children in conflict with law.
- Weak RTI Response Culture: Of the 500+ RTI responses, 11% were rejected, 24% received no reply, and only 36% provided complete information, revealing a weak transparency ecosystem.
- Systemic Administrative Weaknesses: Lack of inter-agency coordination, weak data-sharing, and poor monitoring mechanisms weaken the decentralised architecture of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
- Absence of a Child-Centric Data Grid: Experts highlighted the need for a National Data Grid for juvenile justice to ensure timely data flow and effective oversight across police, Department of Women and Child Development, State Child Protection Society (SCPS) and the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA).
What is the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015?
- Background: Enacted in 2015, the Act replaced the Juvenile Delinquency Law and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children Act) 2000 to create a child-centric justice system for both children in conflict with the law (CICL) and those in need of care and protection (CNCP).
- It replaces earlier adoption laws—the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 and the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890—to establish a uniform and accessible adoption system for all communities.
- Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs): JJBs, constituted under Section 4 of JJ Act, 2015, must be established by state governments in every district to handle all cases involving children in conflict with the law.
- Each JJB includes a Metropolitan or Judicial Magistrate and two social workers (one woman), ensuring child-friendly procedures focused on rehabilitation over punishment.
- Trial of Juveniles for Heinous Crimes: Allows juveniles aged 16–18 years to be tried as adults for heinous offences, after assessment by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) ensuring a balance between child rights and public safety.
- Empowering CARA: The Act makes the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) a statutory body responsible for regulating and monitoring both in-country and inter-country adoptions.
- Child Care Institutions (CCIs): All Child Care Institutions, whether run by the government or NGOs, must be compulsorily registered within six months of the Act’s commencement.
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Amendment Act 2021: Crimes against children under the “Other Offences Against Children” section of the JJ Act, 2015 that carry 3–7 years of imprisonment will now be treated as non-cognisable.
- To speed up adoption cases, the power to issue adoption orders has been shifted from courts to the district magistrate.
What Measures are Needed to Reform the Juvenile Justice System in India?
- Strengthening Institutional Infrastructure: Mandate timely filling of vacancies in JJBs and CWCs to ensure quorum, and link each JJB with a dedicated Legal Services Clinic to provide free legal representation from the start.
- Focusing on Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Shift focus from custody to rehabilitation through better vocational training, education, and mental health support in CCIs, and strengthen post-care systems to ensure successful reintegration and prevent recidivism.
- Enhancing Data Transparency: Create a centralized, public-facing data portal to track JJB cases, monitor pendency, and follow each child’s progress, ensuring stronger accountability.
Conclusion
A decade after its enactment, systemic failures like high pendency, infrastructural gaps, and a lack of data transparency are crippling the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, undermining its child-centric vision.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, was a paradigm shift from a welfare-based to a rights-based approach. Critically examine the challenges that hinder the realization of its objectives.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the primary function of a Juvenile Justice Board (JJB)?
JJBs, constituted under Section 4 of the JJ Act, 2015, are the principal authorities for handling all cases of children in conflict with law, focusing on rehabilitation and ensuring a child-friendly judicial process.
2. What was the overall pendency rate reported by the IJR for JJB cases?
The IJR found 55% pendency in cases before Juvenile Justice Boards (as of 31 October 2023), with wide state variation (Odisha 83%, Karnataka 35%).
3.What are the main institutional deficits highlighted by the IJR?
Key deficits include 24% of JJBs not fully constituted, 30% lacking legal services clinics, staff vacancies in CCIs, and weak inter-agency coordination and data-sharing.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:
- Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
- A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2021)
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither I nor 2
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (2021)
Q. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (2017)
First-ever Individual Entitlement Survey for PVTGs
22-11-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
The Centre is set to conduct the first-ever 'Individual Entitlement Survey' of 10 lakh Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) households to assess the reach of 39 government schemes at the grassroots level.
What is an Individual Entitlement Survey?
- About: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has identified 39 schemes across 18 central government departments for monitoring.
- These include the MGNREGS, social security for unorganised workers, pensions, financial assistance for meritorious Scheduled Tribe students, and various flagship programs.
- The survey will be conducted with the cooperation of state governments, which may involve NGOs or panchayat officials to help carry out the process.
- Scope and Coverage: The survey will cover 10 lakh households across 1,000 blocks, predominantly inhabited by approximately 48 lakh PVTGs.
- These groups are spread across 75 recognized PVTGs in 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar.
- Methodology: Surveyors will input data directly into a mobile application developed by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
- Post survey completion, the government will issue a 'Universal Entitlement Card' to each tribal member from a vulnerable group, outlining their entitlement status for the tracked government schemes.
What is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)?
- About: PVTGs is a sub-classification of Scheduled Tribes that are more vulnerable than regular Scheduled Tribes due to their limited access to education, healthcare, and modern infrastructure.
- These groups are often referred to as "primitive" because of their traditional lifestyles and limited exposure to modern amenities.
- Article 342(1) allows the President, after consulting the Governor (in the case of a state), to specify tribes or tribal communities as Scheduled Tribes in a State/UT.
- Identification Timeline: In 1973, the Dhebar Commission classified Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a distinct category for the least developed tribal groups, which were later renamed PVTGs by the Government of India in 2006.
- In 1975, India began identifying the most vulnerable tribal groups as PVTGs, initially declaring 52 groups, with an additional 23 added in 1993, bringing the total to 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.
- Classification Criteria: PVTGs are characterized by a small, homogenous population, physical isolation, lack of written language, simple technology, and slower social and economic development.
- They often face stagnant or declining populations, low literacy, and economic backwardness in remote areas with limited infrastructure and administrative support.
- Population: Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs (13), followed by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (12).
What are Key India’s Initiatives Related to PVTGs?
- PM-JANMAN: PM JANMAN aims to protect and nurture tribal groups, especially those on the verge of extinction, by providing them with necessary support, development, and connectivity to mainstream services and opportunities.
- The initiative covers 75 PVTGs residing in 18 states and union territories, spread across 22,544 villages in 220 districts.

- Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated every year on the Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda, to recognize the efforts of the tribals in the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of national pride, valour, and hospitality.
- These tribal communities include Tamars, Santhals, Khasis, Bhils, Mizos, and Kols to name a few.
- PM PVTG Mission: The PM-PVTG Development Mission program aims to improve the socio-economic status of Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- The mission includes providing basic facilities like safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition, better access to roads in settlements for backward scheduled tribes.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the 'Individual Entitlement Survey'?
The survey aims to assess the reach of 39 government schemes and identify coverage gaps for 10 lakh PVTG households.
2. Which government schemes are being tracked in the survey? The survey tracks 39 schemes, including MGNREGS, social security for unorganised workers, and financial assistance for meritorious Scheduled Tribe students.
3. What is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)?
PVTGs is a sub-classification of Scheduled Tribes that are more vulnerable than regular Scheduled Tribes due to their limited access to education, healthcare, and modern infrastructure.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q.1 Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019)
- PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
- A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
- There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
- Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 2 and 4
- 1, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Mains:
Q. What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (2017)
Q. Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (2016)
Compensation Portal for FASTag Annual Pass Scheme
22-10-2025
Source: ET
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a compensation portal designed to enhance toll operations.
- This platform will empower dedicated officials to oversee revenue sharing for the FASTag Annual Pass scheme, significantly reducing conflicts over revenue losses faced by toll operators (concessionaires).
- FASTag Annual Pass Scheme: It was launched by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in August 2025, allows private vehicles to travel seamlessly on National Highways and Expressways through a one-time payment of Rs 3,000 for one year or 200 crossings whichever comes first.
- It reduces frequent recharges, ensures transparent NPCI-backed transactions, and eases toll payments, promoting smooth digital commuting.
- The pass is non-transferable and valid only for non-commercial cars, jeeps, and vans after checking through the VAHAN database.
- The Annual Pass currently excludes State Highways, but regular FASTag is applicable, and technical support will be provided if states implement the pass system.
- FASTag: It is an electronic toll collection system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and integrated with the NPCI for automatic, cashless payments via linked bank accounts or prepaid wallets.
- NHAI has launched the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative that aims to discourage user behavior of using single FASTag for multiple vehicles.

India’s Digital Public Platforms (DPPs)
22-10-2025
Source: BL
The RBI Governor highlighted India’s vision to make digital innovations such as UPI and Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) global public goods, reaffirming the country’s commitment to international collaboration on Digital Public Platforms (DPPs).
DPPs
- About: DPPs are open, interoperable digital infrastructure solutions providing key public services, including:
- Digital identity (e.g., Aadhaar)
- Digital payments (e.g., UPI)
- Data exchange frameworks (e.g., DigiLocker, Account Aggregator).
- Core Features:
- Open Architecture: Encourages innovation by both private and public players.
- Interoperability: Supports seamless integration across sectors.
- Scalability: Manages large user volumes efficiently and cost-effectively
- India’s Global Positioning in DPPs: India is recognized as a global leader in DPP innovation and implementation, with systems like UPI being studied or adopted by countries including France, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, etc.
- A 1% increase in UPI transaction volume correlates with a 0.03% rise in GDP growth.
- MOSIP: It is a free, secure, and scalable system for building national digital identity systems, developed at IIIT-Bangalore.
- It is being adopted or explored by 27 countries to design and manage their own digital identities.
Reforming the PDS in India
22-09-2025
Source:TH
Why in News?
A recent study by Crisil using a ‘thali index’ shows that up to 50% of rural and 20% of urban Indians cannot afford two balanced meals a day, revealing widespread food deprivation.This contrasts with the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief, based on the 2024 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, which claims extreme poverty fell from 16.2% in 2011-12 to 2.3% in 2022-23.
Even with Public Distribution System (PDS) support, food deprivation remained 40% in rural and 10% in urban areas, revealing deeper food insecurity than income-based poverty estimates.
Thali Index
- Unlike conventional poverty measures based only on calories or income. The “thali index” approach measures food deprivation by assessing whether households can afford a basic, balanced meal (the thali, which includes rice, dal, roti, vegetables, curd, and salad).
- It reflects both nutrition and satisfaction, not just calories. Reveals hidden deprivation, as many households cannot afford even two thalis a day despite low official poverty levels.
- This approach highlights the need to restructure the PDS to promote equity in primary food consumption.
Why is the Need to Restructure the PDS to Promote Equity in Primary Food Consumption?
- Limitations of Current PDS: The PDS has succeeded in equalising cereal consumption across income groups. However, the PDS mainly provides rice and wheat, which are rich in calories but low in proteins and other nutrients. This helps with hunger, but not with balanced nutrition.
- Pulse Consumption Gap: A healthy diet requires proteins, vitamins, and minerals, not just calories. Pulses, often the only protein source for the poor, remain unaffordable without subsidy.
- As a result, the poorest 5% of rural households consume only half as many pulses as the richest 5%, highlighting a serious nutritional gap driven by cost barriers.
- Subsidy Misdirection: In rural India, individuals in the top 10% consumption bracket receive up to 88% of the subsidy that the poorest 5% receive.
- This group spends three times more on food than the poorest, yet continues to benefit from PDS subsidies, implying leakage and misallocation.
- In urban areas, although the system is more progressive, 80% still receive PDS subsidies, even if they exceed the "two-thali" consumption norm.
- Fiscal Burden and Resource Misuse: In January 2024, the central government extended free food grain supply (under National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013) to 80 crore people.
- However, Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 data shows many of these households already consume enough cereals. Such large-scale entitlement does not reflect actual need and wastes public funds.
- Over-allocation also increases procurement, storage, and distribution costs for the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Poverty Committees in India Based on Consumption
- Working Group (1962): Quantified poverty line based on minimum food and non-food needs. Separate rural (Rs 20) and urban (Rs 25) per capita per month at 1960-61 prices.
- VM Dandekar & N. Rath (1971): Derived poverty line based on expenditure required to meet 2,250 kcal/day per capita.
- Y.K. Alagh (1979): The poverty line was based on the per capita consumption required to meet basic calorie needs: 2,400 kcal/day in rural areas and 2,100 kcal/day in urban areas, corresponding to Rs 49.09 per month for rural and Rs 56.64 per month for urban households (1973-74 prices).
- Lakdawala Expert Group (1993): Retained Alagh Committee poverty lines at national level and introduced state-specific lines to reflect price differences.
- Tendulkar Expert Group (2009): Used a single all-India urban poverty line basket to derive state-level rural and urban poverty, replacing the earlier practice of separate rural and urban baskets.
- It recommended shifting from calorie-based to target nutritional outcomes and recommended a uniform all-India poverty line for rural and urban areas.
- Rangarajan Committee (2014): Reintroduced separate rural and urban poverty lines with consumption baskets including food and non-food items.
- The poverty line is estimated as Monthly Per Capita Expenditure of Rs. 1407 in urban areas and Rs. 972 in rural areas. The government did not officially adopt the report.
What Challenges Exist in Implementing Nutrition-sensitive PDS?
- Accurate Targeting of Beneficiaries: Identifying households that genuinely consume below the “two thalis a day” norm is difficult.
- There is a high risk of exclusion errors (poor families left out) and inclusion errors (better-off households still receiving benefits).
- Political Sensitivity in Reducing Cereal Entitlements: Many households, including middle-class and better-off groups, currently benefit from subsidised rice and wheat.
- Cutting or eliminating their entitlements may trigger political resistance and public backlash.
- Procurement and Distribution of Pulses: Unlike rice and wheat, pulses are produced in smaller quantities, have greater price volatility, and require better storage facilities.
- Scaling up their procurement and distribution through PDS would be logistically challenging.
- Financial Sustainability: Expanding subsidies for pulses while continuing to support cereals could place a heavy burden on the food subsidy bill.
- Without restructuring PDS, it may not be fiscally sustainable for the government.
- Subsidised food items often get diverted to open markets. Expanding the basket to include costlier items like pulses increases the incentive for black marketing and corruption.
- Administrative and Monitoring Capacity: Implementing a nutrition-sensitive PDS needs reliable data systems, digital tracking, and strong oversight.
- Weak monitoring can undermine efficiency and prevent benefits from reaching the truly needy.
How can the PDS be Reformed to Ensure Equitable & Nutritious Food Access?
- Define a Nutrition-Based Food Norm: Establish a "minimum balanced diet" standard (e.g., two thalis/day) including cereals, pulses, vegetables, and dairy.
- Make it region-specific to reflect local dietary patterns and costs.
- As recommended by the Tendulkar Committee (2009), poverty estimation should move beyond calorie norms to a broader consumption basket, including food, health, and education.
- Target Subsidies Based on Need: Update and use latest HCES data to identify households below the nutrition norm.
- Provide full PDS support to the most deprived and reduce or eliminate subsidies for those above the norm.
- Expand Pulse Inclusion in PDS: Increase the distribution of key pulses (tur, moong, chana) in PDS to address protein deficiency. Prioritise supply for low-income households with low protein intake and link procurement with Minimum Support Price and buffer stocking mechanisms.
- Reduce Excess Cereal Allocation: Trim cereal quotas where consumption has already met desired levels. Use savings to diversify the food basket and improve nutritional outcomes.
- Pilot and Scale Gradually: Implement state-wise pilot programs, monitor impacts on nutrition, fiscal costs, and supply chains before national rollout.
- Leverage Technology for Better Targeting: Use digital ration cards, Aadhaar linking, and real-time data to improve transparency and reduce leakages.
- Promote nutrition literacy among beneficiaries to increase uptake of pulses and diversified diets.
Conclusion
A reformed, nutrition-focused PDS is essential to bridge India’s hidden hunger gap. Strategic targeting, fiscal prudence, and dietary diversity must guide future interventions. Equity in food access is not just about distribution, it's about delivering dignity through nutrition.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Despite near-universal calorie sufficiency, India faces serious nutritional inequality. Critically examine the need to reform the Public Distribution System (PDS) and propose a brief roadmap for implementation.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (2017)
- To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
- To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
- To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
Ans: (a)
Q. With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements: (2018)
- The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
- The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q: Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (2013)
Manual Scavenging in India
22-09-2025
Source:TH
Why in News?
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has fined Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) Rs 5 lakh after labourers were found cleaning sewers outside its premises without protective gear.
- The Court held this to be a violation of directives issued by the Supreme Court in its landmark 2023 judgment (Dr. Balram Singh v/s Union of India), aimed at eradicating the inhuman and caste-based practice of manual scavenging and hazardous sewer cleaning.
What are the SC’s Directives in Dr. Balram Singh v/s Union of India, 2023 Case?
- Fresh, Reliable Survey: Conduct a comprehensive national survey to identify manual scavengers across states and union territories.
- Eradication Measures: Ordered for complete mechanisation of sewer and septic tank cleaning. Human entry into sewers only in exceptional cases where mechanical cleaning is not possible.
- Protective Gear & Safety: No worker to be sent into drains, septic tanks, or sewers without proper protective equipment. Absence of protective gear will be treated as a violation of Articles 21 and 23.
- Rehabilitation & Compensation: Rehabilitation of families of persons who die in sewer or septic tank work to be treated as a constitutional right.
- Compensation to dependents of deceased or disabled workers must be enhanced and disbursed promptly.
- Integrate rehabilitation with wider social security measures under schemes like NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem. Provide scholarships and educational opportunities for children of manual scavengers.
- Awareness & Reporting: Launch public awareness campaigns against the practice. Create a centralized online portal to track deaths, rehabilitation status, and disbursal of compensation.
- Implementation of Welfare Laws: Ensure full enforcement of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (PEMSR) Act, 2013.
What is Manual Scavenging?
- About: According to the PEMSR Act, 2013, it is the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing, or handling human excreta from insanitary latrines, open drains, pits, railway tracks or any other notified space.
- Legal Framework: It is officially banned in India since the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993.
- Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 bans employment of manual scavengers, ensures their rehabilitation, and makes every offence cognizable and non-bailable.
- Current Status ( 2024): Out of 766 districts, 732 have declared themselves manual scavenging-free, yet as of 2024, around 58,000 manual scavengers remain identified in India.
- Reasons for the Persistence of Manual Scavenging in India:
- Caste-based discrimination: Historically associated with Dalit communities, making it a hereditary occupation.
- Poverty and Lack of Alternatives: Many workers have no other source of livelihood.
- Incomplete Mechanisation: Machines for sewer and septic tank cleaning are still not widely available or accessible, especially in smaller towns.
- Poor enforcement of laws: Despite the 1993 and 2013 Acts, implementation on the ground is weak.
- Contractor System: Workers are often hired informally through contractors, bypassing accountability.
- Gaps in surveys and Data: Inconsistent and under-reported surveys lead to underestimation of the problem, masking its true scale.
What are India’s Initiatives to Curb Manual Scavenging?
What are the Major Challenges Faced by Manual Scavengers?
- Health Risks: Exposure to human waste and toxic gases like hydrogen sulphide makes manual scavengers highly vulnerable to diseases such as Hepatitis, Tetanus, Cholera, and asphyxiation.
- Social Stigma: Labeled as “untouchables,” they face deep-rooted caste-based discrimination, reinforcing social exclusion and systemic marginalization.
- Economic Challenges: Paid below minimum wage and often employed on daily-wage or contractual terms, they lack job security, social protection, and alternative livelihood options, keeping them trapped in poverty.
- Double Discrimination: Women face both caste- and gender-based exploitation, including sexual harassment, abuse, and economic inequality.
- Psychological Issues: Continuous social stigma, harsh work conditions, and marginalization lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
- Substance Abuse: Many resort to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, humiliation, and physical hardship, further impacting their health and well-being.
What Measures can be Taken to End Manual Scavenging in India?
- Mechanisation of Sanitation Work: Promote 100% mechanized cleaning of sewers, septic tanks, drains, garbage lifting, sludge handling, and solid & medical waste disposal.
- Equip Sanitation Response Units (SRUs) with machines, vehicles, and devices for mechanized cleaning. Train professionally skilled manpower for mechanized operations.
- Institutional Framework: Appoint a Responsible Sanitation Authority in every district to oversee sanitation and mechanization. Set up SRUs in each municipality with a 24x7 helpline to report blockages in sewers and septic tanks.
- Strict Enforcement of Laws: Strictly enforce the PEMSR Act, 2013 with stringent penalties for violators, treat sewer deaths as culpable homicide, and ensure compensation in line with Supreme Court directives.
- The National Human Rights Commission recommends maintaining the distinction between sanitation workers and manual scavengers under the 2013 Act. It also recommends empanelling and regulating the de-sledging market.
- Financial Support & Incentives: Provide Concessional loans under Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) for sanitation workers, dependents, and urban bodies to procure sanitation equipment and vehicles.
- Expand the reach of the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) for sanitation-related projects to support sustainable livelihoods.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Train manual scavengers under PM-DAKSH for roles in waste management, and machine operation, with preferential hiring in urban bodies under MGNREGA.
- Health Screenings: Conduct regular health screenings for sanitation workers in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), focusing on respiratory and skin-related ailments, along with defined treatment and prevention protocols.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Critically examine the challenges in eliminating manual scavenging in India despite the existence of legal safeguards.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to (2016)
(a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood
(b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood
(c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers
(d) release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018)
Q. “To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing the water,sanitation and hygiene needs the identification of the beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with anticipated outcomes.” Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (2017)
Silver Economy
22-08-2025
Source: FE
Why in News?
World Senior Citizen Day is celebrated every year on 21st August to acknowledge the contributions of senior citizens, raise awareness about the challenges they face globally, and highlight the growing importance of the silver economy.
Note: World Senior Citizen Day began in 1988 when US President Reagan designated 21st August to honor seniors and promote supportive policies.
- It is different from the International Day of Older Persons. The United Nations General Assembly designated 1st October as the International Day of Older Persons, which was first observed in 1991.
What is the Silver Economy?
- About: It refers to all economic activities, goods, and services catering to senior citizens.
- Importance for India: According to the Technical Group on Population Projections (2020), India’s elderly population will rise from 103.8 million in 2011 (8.6% of the population) to 193.4 million by 2031.
- According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India’s elderly population is set to double to over 20% by 2050, surpassing children (0–15 years) by 2046. Senior citizens are becoming key economic players, creating opportunities in healthcare, technology, insurance, housing, and wellness.
- Main Drivers of Silver Economy Growth:
- Active Aging: India is moving towards active aging, where senior citizens are healthier, more independent, and seen as contributors rather than dependents. Professionals in the 45-64 age group are currently the wealthiest, making seniors a key consumer class.
- Unlike previous generations, they are increasingly participating in the workforce and adding greater value to the economy.
- Home Care Services: Over 75% of elderly in India suffer from chronic diseases, creating strong demand for home-based healthcare.
- Health Technology: Telehealth, remote monitoring, and wearable devices (fall detectors, GPS trackers, emergency alerts) are transforming elderly care.
- Ayush-based Services: There is a rising preference for Ayurveda and traditional medicine particularly for preventive care due to their minimal side effects.
- With growing demand for holistic health solutions, this sector holds strong potential for future growth.
What are the Challenges in India’s Silver Economy?
- Healthcare Gaps: Limited geriatric care facilities, high out-of-pocket expenditure, and low insurance coverage (only ~18% India’s seniors are insured) restrict access to affordable healthcare.
- Financial Insecurity: A large share of elderly lack pensions or savings, especially in the unorganised sector, leaving them dependent on family support.
- Digital Divide: Low digital literacy and limited access to technology hinder seniors from benefiting from telemedicine, e-commerce, or digital financial services.
- Social Isolation: Breakdown of joint family systems, urban migration, and changing family structures increase loneliness and mental health issues among the elderly.
- Policy and Infrastructure Gaps: Absence of age-friendly infrastructure (housing, transport, public spaces) and limited targeted policies for eldercare slow down growth.
- Workforce Barriers: Despite active aging potential, age-based stereotypes and lack of flexible work models restrict employment opportunities for seniors.
- Awareness and Accessibility: Limited awareness about health insurance, Ayush practices, and government schemes prevents seniors from accessing available support systems.

What Reforms are Needed to Strengthen India’s Silver Economy?
- Healthcare-Centric Reforms: Expand geriatric care services with a preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative focus. Promote health literacy among seniors and caregivers to encourage self-care and early interventions.
- Financial Security Reforms: Design age-specific insurance products to reduce out-of-pocket spending.
- Expand pension coverage under Atal Pension Yojana (APY) to protect seniors, especially those from the informal sector.
- Promote reskilling and flexible work opportunities under SACRED Portal for the elderly to retain economic independence.
- Social Inclusion & Support: Promote social engagement and peer-support networks to combat loneliness and mental health issues.
- Sensitise communities towards the needs, dignity, and sensitivities of elders.
- Elder-Friendly Infrastructure & Housing: Develop age-friendly public spaces, housing, and transportation systems.
- Digital Inclusion Reforms: Launch digital literacy campaigns specifically targeting seniors. Provide user-friendly technology platforms for health, finance, and social services.
- Economic and Market Reforms: Encourage public–private partnerships under SAGE Programme for developing eldercare infrastructure and services.
- Incentivise silver economy startups through targeted funding and incubation support.
- Integrate the elderly into mainstream economic activity, both as consumers and contributors.
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Drishti Mains Question:
The silver economy presents a significant opportunity for India. Discuss the growth drivers and the challenges in harnessing this potential.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): (2008)
- All persons of 60 years or above belonging to the households below poverty line in rural areas are eligible.
- The Central Assistance under this Scheme is at the rate of `300 per month per beneficiary. Under the Scheme, States have been urged to give matching amounts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: D
Mains:
Q. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process. Discuss. (2019)
Nepal Declared Rubella-Free
22-08-2025
Source: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Nepal rubella-free, making it the first country in WHO’s South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
Rubella
- About: Rubella (German measles), is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus, an enveloped single-stranded RNA virus, which causes mild fever and rash.
- Risk and Impact: Mild in children and adults, but poses serious risks to pregnant women, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants.
- CRS can cause hearing impairment, cataracts, heart defects, and developmental delays, making rubella a leading cause of preventable congenital disabilities globally.
- Epidemiology: In 2022, there were 17,865 reported cases across 78 countries.
- In 2024, 14.3 million children missed all vaccinations, and only 84% of infants received the first dose of the measles vaccine.
- Prevention and Vaccination: The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine is the most effective preventive measure, administered in 2 doses to provide long-term immunity against rubella and its complications.
India’s Progress Towards Rubella Elimination
National Conference on Good Governance Practices
22-07-2025
Source: PIB
The National Conference on Good Governance Practices was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, jointly organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and the Odisha government, with a focus on governance innovation and grassroots impact.
- Theme: “Good Governance Practices” featuring award-winning initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.
- Highlighted Innovative Digital Tools: The conference highlighted Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) and Digital Life Certificate (also known as Jeevan Pramaan) have become global models for innovative governance.
- CPGRAMS: It is a 24x7 online platform for citizens to lodge grievances related to public service delivery.
- Launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, it connects all central ministries and state departments.
- It also allows appeals if the resolution is unsatisfactory. However, it excludes Right to Information queries, court or sub-judice matters, religious issues, and service-related grievances of government employees.
- Jeevan Pramaan: It is a biometric-enabled digital service launched in 2014 to simplify life certificate submission for pensioners. Instead of appearing in person, pensioners can now digitally verify their identity through a mobile app or online platform.
- This ensures continued pension disbursement while reducing fraud. It is available to Central, State, and other government pensioners.
- Over 10.31 crore digital life certificates have been submitted through Jeevan Pramaan since its launch in 2014, reflecting its wide adoption among pensioners.
Global Wetland Outlook 2025
22-07-2025
Source: DTE
Why in News?
The Global Wetland Outlook (GWO) 2025, released by the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention (1971), highlights that Africa’s wetlands are among the most degraded in the world.
What are the Key Takeaways from Global Wetland Outlook 2025?
- Global Wetland Coverage: Wetlands (Seagrass, Kelp Forests, Coral Reefs, Estuarine Waters, Salt Marshes, Mangroves, Tidal Flats, Lakes, Rivers and Streams, Inland Marshes and Swamps, and Peatlands) cover over 1,800 million hectares globally, including inland freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems.
- However, data uncertainty persists due to inconsistent methods and gaps in historical data.
- Loss and Degradation: Since 1970, the world has lost about 411 million hectares of wetlands, marking a 22% global decline at an average annual loss rate of -0.52%.
- Wetlands in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean are facing the worst levels of degradation, but ecological deterioration is also rising in Europe, North America, and Oceania.
- Wetlands are in the worst condition in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In upper-middle-income and developed countries, more wetlands are reported in good condition than poor.
- Value of Wetlands: Wetlands provide food, water filtration, disaster protection, carbon storage, and cultural value.
- The ecosystem service value of global wetlands is estimated at USD 39 trillion. Wetlands make up just 6% of Earth's surface but deliver ~7.5% of global GDP in value.
- Over 60% of GDP in some African countries comes from nature-based sectors. Wetland loss increases climate risks and lowers productivity. Investing in wetlands is a smart, cost-effective step toward sustainable growth.
- Wetland Funding Gap: Biodiversity funding is just 0.25% of global GDP, far too low to meet current needs.
- Recommendations:
- Wetland Conservation: It calls for urgent action to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), particularly Target 2 (restoring at least 30% of all degraded ecosystems) and Target 3 (conserving at least 30% of land, waters, and seas).
- To meet these goals, around 123 million hectares of wetlands must be restored, possibly exceeding 350 million hectares if degraded wetlands are included.
- Additionally, about 428 million hectares need to be effectively managed through protected areas or conservation measures.
- This effort supports climate goals under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Sustainable Development Goal 6.6 on water ecosystems.
- Conservation Over Costly Restoration: Conserving healthy wetlands is far cheaper than restoring degraded ones, which can cost anywhere from USD 1,000 to over USD 70,000 per hectare annually.
- Boost Investment in Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): Encourage both government and private sectors to invest in wetland protection as cost-effective NbS for disaster resilience, climate mitigation, and water security.
- Build capacity and long-term strategies to scale up wetland investments globally.
What are Wetlands?
- About: The Ramsar Convention defines wetlands as areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water natural or artificial, permanent or temporary with static or flowing water that may be fresh, brackish, or salty, including shallow marine areas up to six meters deep at low tide.
- It also allows inclusion of nearby riparian or coastal zones and deeper marine areas if they lie within the wetland system.
- Major Types of Wetlands:
- Human-made Wetlands: Built for purposes like irrigation, drinking water, fish farming, or recreation. Examples include reservoirs, aquaculture ponds, salt pans, dams, and barrages.
- Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries in Bihar, now Ramsar Sites, are human-made wetlands created for irrigation via the Nakti Dam.
- Lakes and Ponds: Inland freshwater bodies that support diverse plant and animal life.
- River Floodplains: Low-lying areas next to rivers that flood periodically. The Yamuna floodplains, for instance, are Delhi’s key water source.
- Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is a floodplain wetland in Uttar Pradesh, with the Rapti River flowing through it.
- Oxbow Lakes: Crescent-shaped waterbodies formed when river meanders are cut off due to silt or course change.
- Common in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi basins (e.g., Ansupa Lake).
- Kanwar Lake, Bihar (also known locally as Kabartal) is Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake.
- Marshes: Wetlands with herbaceous plants, fed by sources like runoff, groundwater, or tides. Example: Kanwar Jheel in Bihar.
- Estuaries: Brackish water zones where rivers meet the sea, like the Chilika Lagoon in Odisha. Coastal lagoons form when sandbars separate sea and river water.
- Swamps: Tree-dominated wetlands with waterlogged soil. Mangroves are coastal swamps. Sunderbans is the largest mangrove swamp in the world.

- Ecosystem Services of Wetlands:
- Water Purification: Wetlands act as kidneys of the habitat by purifying water, sequestering huge amounts of carbon (thereby mitigating climate change) and , supporting irrigation, and improving both surface and groundwater quality.
- Storm Protection: Coastal wetlands like mangroves and salt marshes reduce storm surges, flooding, and erosion.
- Flood Control: Absorb excess water during storms, reducing downstream floods and supporting streamflow in drought. Mangroves can lower flood depths by 15–20%, and up to 70% during major storms.
- Erosion Control: Wetland plants stabilize soil and prevent streambank erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: Wetlands are ecotones rich in both aquatic and terrestrial life, supporting amphibians, birds like ducks and cranes, mammals, and migratory species.
- Wetlands support spawning, feeding, and nursery areas for species like trout, crab, and shrimp.
- High Productivity: Some wetlands (e.g. salt marshes) produce more biomass per acre than most crops.
- Education: Serve as natural classrooms for ecological and cultural learning.
- Status of Wetlands in India: As of August 2024, India has 1,307 identified wetlands covering over 1.35 million hectares, the highest wetland coverage in South Asia.
- Efforts to Conserve Wetlands:
- Ramsar Convention: India ratified the Ramsar Convention in 1982, naming Keoladeo National Park and Chilika Lake as its first two Ramsar Sites. With Khichan and Menar in Rajasthan added in 2025, India now has 91 Ramsar Sites, showing its continued focus on wetland conservation.
- The Montreux Record is a list of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention that are facing, or are likely to face, ecological damage.
- India currently has two wetlands on the Montreux Record: Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan and Loktak Lake in Manipur.
- Wetlands of India Portal (2021): Provides public access to wetland data, maps, and conservation updates.
- National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas: Tracks changes in wetlands using satellite data.
- Amrit Dharohar Scheme (2023): Focuses on eco-tourism, community income, biodiversity enhancement, and carbon storage in wetlands.
- Integration with Namami Gange: Aligns wetland conservation with river basin management, especially in the Ganga basin.
- World Wetlands Day: Observed on 2nd February to mark the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.

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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the ecological and economic importance of wetlands.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?(2014)
(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’
Ans: (a)
Demographic Winter and India’s Narrowing Demographic Dividend
22-01-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
China’s population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, falling by 3.39 million to 1.405 billion, with births hitting a historic low of 7.92 million, signalling a deepening demographic winter.
- This highlights important lessons for India, which despite being the most populous country, is witnessing a faster-than-expected decline in its Total Fertility Rate (TFR).
Summary
- China’s demographic winter highlights the risks of sustained low fertility and ageing, offering timely lessons for India, where TFR has fallen below replacement and the demographic dividend window is narrowing rapidly.
- India can still convert its youth advantage into economic power through job creation, future-ready skilling, women’s workforce inclusion, migration portability, and preparation for an ageing population.
What is Demographic Winter?
- Demographic Winter: The Demographic Winter describes a severe, long-term population decline due to persistently low birth rates (below replacement level of ~2.1 children per woman) and subsequent population aging, leading to a shrinking workforce, increased elder dependency, and strained social systems.
- Reasons for China’s Demographic Winter:
- Legacy of the One-Child Policy (1980–2015): The policy drastically reduced the number of women of childbearing age.
- Even though China moved to a "Two-Child" (2016) and "Three-Child" (2021) policy, the social habit of small families has become entrenched.
- High Cost of Living: The "Three Mountains" (Education, Healthcare, and Housing) make raising children in Chinese cities prohibitively expensive.
- Changing Social Mindset: Young Chinese (Generation Z) are increasingly opting for "Tang Ping" (lying flat) rejecting societal pressures to marry and have children in favor of a low-stress life.
- Marriage registrations have plummeted, directly impacting birth rates since out-of-wedlock births remain culturally and legally difficult in China.
Implications of Demographic Winter
- Inverted Population Pyramid: Fewer births combined with ageing population, shrinking workforce, and rising dependency ratio, deepening the demographic winter.
- Fewer workers supporting a growing elderly population increases pressure on pensions, healthcare, and social security systems.
- Government spending on healthcare and old-age support rises while tax revenues stagnate or decline.
- Economic Slowdown: Lower consumption, reduced innovation, and weaker productivity growth can trap the economy in long-term stagnation.
- National Security Concerns: A smaller youth population can affect military recruitment and long-term strategic capacity.
- Social Strain: Ageing societies face increased loneliness, intergenerational inequality, and challenges in sustaining community and family support systems.
Total Fertility Rate and Replacement Level
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR): TFR represents the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her reproductive lifespan (15–49 years), based on prevailing age-specific fertility rates.
- Replacement Level: A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level, where each generation replaces itself without significant population growth or decline.
What is India’s Demographic Scenario?
- TFR Below Replacement Level: According to the Sample Registration System Statistical Report 2023, India’s TFR has declined to 1.9 at the national level, with rural India touching the replacement rate of 2.1 for the first time, while urban TFR stands much lower at 1.5.
- According to the NFHS-5 (2019-21), India’s TFR has dropped to 2.0 children per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1.
- This means a generation is not producing enough children to replace itself, eventually leading to population stabilization and decline (expected around 2060-2070).
- North-South Divide:
- Southern India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu): These states have TFRs comparable to developed nations (1.6 - 1.7), largely due to early and effective population control measures, and are now facing an ageing population similar to China.
- Northern India (Bihar, UP): These states still have high TFRs (above 2.4), providing the bulk of India's young workforce.
- Migration from North to South will become critical for filling labor gaps.
- Closing Window of Demographic Dividend: India has a "youth bulge" with a median age of 28.4 years (compared to China’s around 40).
- However, this window is short. The working-age population is projected to peak by 2041, while the elderly (60+) will rise sharply from 149 million (10.5%) today to 347 million (20.8%) by 2050.
- Without rapid skill development and job creation, India’s demographic dividend risks turning into a demographic disaster.
Population Policy and Measures in India
India was the first country to launch a National Family Planning Programme in 1952. Since then, its approach has evolved from clinic-based targets to a voluntary, rights-based model focused on reproductive health, women’s empowerment, and informed choice rather than coercion.
- Policy Framework:
- National Population Policy, 2000: Provides the framework for population stabilisation by meeting unmet contraceptive needs, reducing fertility, achieving replacement-level TFR (2.1) (attained nationally by 2020–21), and targeting a stable population by 2045.
- National Health Policy 2017: Reinforces population goals through improved reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services.
- Key Measures:
- Mission Parivar Vikas: Targets high-fertility districts to improve access to family planning services.
- Compensation Scheme for Sterilization Acceptors: Provides compensation for loss of wages to the beneficiaries for sterilization.
- Doorstep Delivery: ASHAs supply contraceptives at home.
- Awareness Campaigns: World Population Day/Fortnight and Vasectomy Fortnight.
- Family Planning Logistics Management Information System (FP-LMIS): Ensures last-mile availability of family planning commodities across all the levels of health facilities.
What are the Challenges Facing India’s Demographic Double-Edged Sword?
- Jobless Growth Paradox: India’s biggest demographic risk lies in the disconnect between GDP growth and employment elasticity (the number of jobs created per unit of growth).
- Despite being the fastest-growing major economy, job creation has lagged. As per PLFS 2024–25, overall unemployment is stable at around 4.9%, but youth unemployment (15–29 years) remains high at 10–15%.
- A large pool of educated yet unemployed youth can fuel social unrest, populism, and demands for expanded reservations, undermining stability.
- Degree–Skill Mismatch: India produces millions of graduates annually, but many lack industry-ready skills.
- 4th Industrial Revolution Threat: India is entering its demographic peak exactly when AI and Automation are disrupting low-end jobs.
- The traditional development ladder (from agriculture to low-end manufacturing to services) is breaking as AI and robotics replace cheap labour.
- India cannot rely on "cheap labor" like China did in the 1990s because the Lewis Turning Point (where surplus rural labor runs out) is being accelerated by AI.
- If India’s youth are trained only for low-skill BPO or assembly jobs, they risk becoming obsolete before employment.
- The “Two Indias” Problem: The North-South TFR divergence will intensify inter-state migration, but the absence of portable social security and uniform labour protections risks exclusion, regional tensions, and sons-of-the-soil politics.
- Low Female Labour Force Participation: India’s demographic dividend is incomplete without women.
- Although female labour force participation (FLFP) has improved from 23.3% to 41.7% (2017- 2024), it remains far below China (~60%) and Vietnam (~70%).
- The burden of the care economy, safety concerns, and lack of flexible white-collar jobs push many women out of the workforce, reinforcing the U-shaped labour participation trap and limiting growth potential.
- Unprepared “Silver Economy”: India’s elderly population is expanding rapidly, with the 60+ group projected to double to ~230 million by 2036, sharply raising the old-age dependency ratio.
- The support ratio has fallen from 14:1 (1997) to 10:1 (2023) and is expected to drop to 4.6:1 by 2050 and 1.9:1 by 2100, approaching levels seen in aging economies like Japan.
- With seniors’ consumption set to rise from 8% to 15% by 2050, weak pensions, limited healthcare, and the erosion of joint families could impose severe fiscal and social stress if wealth is not generated during the current demographic window.
What Steps Must India Adopt to Convert its ‘Demographic Potential’ into ‘Economic Power’?
- Skilling for Industry 4.0: Establish Sector Skill Councils that dictate academic curriculum based on real-time industry needs (e.g., Drone Technology, Green Hydrogen, AI), ensuring graduates are "day-one ready."
- Promote a culture of continuous upskilling through digital platforms (like SWAYAM) to help the workforce adapt to the rapid obsolescence of skills in the AI era.
- "Make in India" for the World: While IT is a strength, it cannot absorb millions of rural youth. The focus must shift to Labor-Intensive Manufacturing (Textiles, Leather, Footwear, Food Processing) similar to the Vietnam/Bangladesh model.
- The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes should be tweaked to offer higher incentives for industries that create more jobs, rather than just capital-intensive output.
- Women-Led Development: Invest heavily in the "Care Economy" (Creches, Anganwadis, Geriatric care). This creates millions of jobs for women and frees up skilled women to join the formal workforce.
- Bridging the North-South Divide: Develop a National Migration Policy to ensure social security portability. Accelerating the "One Nation, One Ration Card" and portable health benefits (Ayushman Bharat) to ensure migrants from the North are not excluded in the South.
- Preparing for the "Silver Economy": Create policy frameworks to re-employ retired but capable seniors in mentorship or consultancy roles, utilizing their experience ("Second Innings").
- Global Skill Corridors: Aggressively sign Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs) with aging nations (Japan, Germany, Russia) to officially export trained Indian caregivers and nurses, turning India into the "HR Capital of the World."
Conclusion
The next 25 years the "Amrit Kaal" is India's "Make or Break" moment. Time will determine whether India emulates the growth story of East Asian Tigers or falls into the "Middle-Income Trap." The key lies not in the number of people, but in the quality of human capital. As the saying goes, "Demography provides the opportunity, but policy delivers the dividend."
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Drishti Mains Question:
“Demography is destiny, but it is not a guarantee.”How can India avoid the ‘middle-income trap’ and convert its ‘youth bulge’ into a sustained geopolitical advantage?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is meant by ‘Demographic Winter’?
Demographic winter refers to long-term population decline caused by persistently low fertility rates below replacement level, leading to ageing, labour shortages, and rising dependency ratios.
2. Why is China experiencing a demographic winter?
China’s demographic winter is driven by the legacy of the one-child policy, high cost of living, declining marriages, and changing social attitudes likeTang Ping.
3. What is India’s current Total Fertility Rate (TFR)?
India’s national TFR has declined to 1.9 (SRS 2023), below replacement level, with rural India touching 2.1 and urban India at 1.5.
4. Why is India’s demographic dividend considered a double-edged sword?
While India has a large youth population, jobless growth, skill mismatch, AI-led disruption, and low female workforce participation risk turning the dividend into a demographic burden.
5. What key steps are needed to convert India’s demographic potential into economic power?
India must focus on Industry 4.0–aligned skilling, labour-intensive manufacturing, women-led development, migration portability, silver economy planning, and global skill corridors.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q1. ‘’Empowering women is the key to control the population growth.’’ Discuss. (2019)
Q2. Critically examine the effect of globalization on the aged population in India. (2013)
Q3. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021)
Threat to Dugong Population in India
21-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
A recent report launched at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi highlights the growing threat to the dugong population in India.
What are Dugongs?
- About: Dugongs are marine mammals, related to manatees, with a plump appearance and a dolphin-like fluke tail. They grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh around 420 kilograms.
- Manatees are large, herbivorous aquatic mammals of the Sirenia group, found in coastal regions of South America, West Africa, and the Caribbean.
- Diet: Dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals, feeding primarily on seagrass meadows like Cymodocea, Halophila, Thalassia, and Halodule, earning them the nickname "sea cows" and "farmers of the sea."
- They require 30-40 kg of seagrass daily for sustenance and live in shallow, warm coastal waters, such as bays, lagoons, and estuaries, usually less than 10 meters deep.
- Distribution: They are primarily found in the Gulf of Kutch, the Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay region (between India and Sri Lanka), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- The report, titled ‘A Global Assessment of Dugong Status and Conservation Needs’, indicates that the survival of dugongs in the Gulf of Kutch and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is uncertain and highly challenged, while the population in the Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay has significantly decreased.
- Behaviour: The dugong is a long-lived species, capable of living up to 70 years. Typically solitary or found in small mother-calf pairs, large herds common in Australian waters are rare in India.
- Reproduction: They reach reproductive maturity at nine to ten years and give birth every three to five years, resulting in a slow reproductive cycle that limits their population growth rate to approximately 5% per year.
- Protection:
- The Dugong is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) bans international trade of dugongs or their parts, ensuring strict protection.
- In India, Dugongs are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Significance:
- Ecosystem and Climate Benefits: Their role is so crucial that they are called ecosystem engineers, as they play a vital part in maintaining seagrass meadows.
- These meadows, in turn, promote biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration, and support marine life by releasing nutrients that benefit fish, shellfish, and invertebrates.
- Economic Impact: Seagrass beds with dugongs contribute at least Rs 2 crore per year in additional fish production, highlighting their significant ecological and economic value.

What are the Challenges and Conservation Measures for the Dugong Population?
Challenges
- Population Decline: The dugong population in Indian waters, once abundant, has significantly declined over the years, with a 2012 report by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change estimating around 200 individuals.
- While some environmentalists estimate the current dugong population to be between 400 and 450, others believe it remains below 250, suggesting little to no substantial increase.
- Accurately determining the exact number of dugongs in India remains challenging, as they are elusive creatures living in murky coastal waters, where traditional survey methods often fail to provide reliable data.
- Pollution: A study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin revealed the presence of toxic metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead in the tissues of stranded dugongs, primarily due to industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated wastewater.
- Slow Reproductive Rate: Dugongs have a slow reproduction cycle, with females giving birth once every several years, making them more vulnerable to extinction.
- Habitat loss: It is a major concern, as seagrass meadows are being destroyed by port construction, dredging, land reclamation, and pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste.
- Climate change: It has added another layer of vulnerability, with rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events affecting both food availability and breeding grounds.
Conservation Measures
- Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): India is a signatory to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) since 1983 and to the CMS Dugong Memorandum of Understanding since 2008.
- In 2010, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) constituted a Task Force for Conservation of Dugongs.
- Dugong Conservation Reserve: It was established in Palk Bay in 2022 by the Tamil Nadu government, covering an area of 448 square kilometers to protect seagrass meadows and dugongs.
- Dugong Recovery Programme: It is a national programme launched in collaboration with the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Seagrass Habitat Protection: Protecting and restoring seagrass meadows is crucial for dugong conservation, requiring the mapping and monitoring of these habitats, as well as restricting harmful activities, with a focus on community involvement, particularly local fishers.
- Regulating Harmful Fishing Practices: Implementing regulations to limit destructive fishing methods, such as gill nets and trawling, in dugong habitats is essential to reduce accidental harm and safeguard the species.
- Increased Research and Technology: Additional funding for long-term dugong studies is necessary, with a focus on citizen science and traditional knowledge, while technologies like tagging and drones can help in tracking and identifying key habitats.
Seagrass
- Seagrass is an underwater flowering plant, distinct from seaweed, and is considered a wetland ecosystem.
- Seagrass meadows help stabilize the seafloor, support fish populations, capture carbon, and provide shelter for marine life.
- India’s most extensive seagrass meadows occur along the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, off the coast of Tamil Nadu, and together support more than 13 species of seagrass (the highest diversity in the Indian Ocean).
- Seagrass in Lakshadweep and Kachchh is patchy and threatened by port activities and pollution. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have minor, limited seagrass habitats unsuitable for dugongs.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1: What are dugongs and where are they found in India?
Dugongs are marine mammals found in the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2: What are the major threats to the dugong population in India?
Major threats include population decline, pollution, slow reproduction, habitat loss, and climate change.
3: How do dugongs contribute to the ecosystem and economy?
Dugongs maintain seagrass meadows, which support marine life, aid carbon sequestration, and contribute Rs 2 crore annually in fish production.
4: What conservation measures are being implemented to protect dugongs in India?
Conservation measures include protecting seagrass, regulating fishing, community involvement, and increasing research.
5: What is the importance of seagrass for dugong conservation?
Seagrass provides food and habitat for dugongs, stabilizes the seafloor, and supports marine biodiversity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)
- It is a herbivorous marine animal.
- It is found along the entire coast of India.
- It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act; 1972.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Digital Initiatives to Modernize Public Distribution System (PDS)
21-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has launched a series of digital initiatives aimed at modernizing the Public Distribution System (PDS), improving supply chain efficiency, and enhancing transparency in food storage and logistics.
What are the Digital Initiatives Aimed at Modernizing the PDS?
- Bhandaran 360: It is a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform for the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) that is linked to 35 external systems like ICEGATE, Food Corporation of India (FCI), and NAFED.
- It offers single sign-on, data encryption, real-time dashboards, and predictive analytics to standardize operations, and speed up decision-making.
- Smart EXIM Warehouse System: It streamlines container and cargo management by using AI, IoT, and FASTag, enabling real-time tracking, and quicker cargo movement.
- ANNA DARPAN: The Food Corporation of India launched ANNA DARPAN that brings together procurement, storage, movement, sales, quality checks, and contract monitoring into one integrated and reliable information system.
- ASHA (Anna Sahayata Holistic AI Solution): It is an AI platform that uses automated calls to collect feedback on ration entitlement, grain quality, and shop issues to manage grievances and improve oversight.
- Modern Steel Silos: A new Hub Silo Complex in Malout, Punjab, with a capacity of 1.5 lakh metric ton, has been inaugurated to minimize wastage and spoilage.
What is the Public Distribution System (PDS)?
- About: PDS is a food security system under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, providing essential food items and non-food items at subsidized rates.
- Target Beneficiaries: Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, Priority Households (PHH) receive 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month at highly subsidized rates- Rs 3/kg for rice, Rs 2/kg for wheat, and Rs 1/kg for coarse grains.
- Evolution of PDS in India:
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) provides 35 kg of grains per household per month to the poorest families.

- Commodities: Under PDS, wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene are allocated to States/UTs, with some also distributing additional items like pulses, edible oils, iodized salt, and spices.
What are the Challenges Concerning PDS in India?
Mnemonic - FAIL
- F - Faulty Targeting: The PDS’s Below Poverty Line (BPL) criteria leave out many vulnerable groups, so 12% of poor households miss out, while some Above Poverty Line (APL) households and ghost cardholders benefit.
- A - Accessibility Issues: Storage capacity is concentrated in procuring states like Punjab and Haryana, causing shortages in consuming states such as Rajasthan and Maharashtra, while bureaucratic delays worsen regional disparities, especially in remote areas.
- I - Inefficiency and Quality Gaps: Food grains are often rotten, infested, or impure, causing spoilage (over 62,000 tonnes in 2020), and the focus on rice and wheat overlooks malnutrition and nutritious local crops like millets.
- L - Lack of Awareness & Redressal: Many beneficiaries, especially illiterate ones, lack knowledge of their entitlements, and weak grievance redressal leads to denied or delayed rations.
- World Bank and Right to Food Campaign reports highlight Aadhaar-related exclusions due to poor grassroots accountability.
What Reforms are Required to Improve the Efficiency of PDS?
Mnemonic - GROW
- G - Grain Supply Modernization: Phase out traditional godowns and expand modern steel silos to reduce post-harvest losses and improve grain quality.
- R - Real-Time Digital Integration: Integrate Bhandaran 360, ANNA DARPAN, and ASHA with state PDS databases and One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) system to create a unified system for real-time tracking of foodgrains and identifying bottlenecks from central warehouses to Fair Price Shops (FPS).
- O - Optimized Last-Mile Delivery: Expand ASHA to send voice alerts on entitlements and FPS timings, with automatic escalation of unresolved grievances.
- Use GPS-enabled, tamper-proof seals on foodgrain trucks for real-time tracking and pilferage prevention.
- W - Wider & Nutritious Food Basket: Diversify the PDS food basket with millets, pulses, edible oils, and fortified grains to combat malnutrition.
- Promote localized procurement of regional crops and involve women’s SHGs in supplying nutritious foods.
Conclusion
The recent digital reforms in PDS mark a significant shift towards a modern, data-driven system. Sustained focus on last-mile delivery and nutritional diversification is crucial for ensuring genuine food security.
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Drishti Mains Question
Q. What challenges hinder PDS last-mile delivery, and how can food basket and nutrition reforms enhance food security and reduce malnutrition?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Bhandaran 360?
It is an ERP platform by CWC integrating 41 modules and 35 external systems for real-time warehousing, predictive analytics, and supply chain efficiency.
2. Who are the primary beneficiaries of PDS?
Priority Households (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families receive subsidized foodgrains under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
3. How does ASHA improve PDS transparency?
ASHA is an AI-driven feedback system that collects beneficiary grievances via automated calls, performs sentiment analysis, and provides real-time dashboards for decision-making.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.1 In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)
- The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
- The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
- The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centers.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Q.2 With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements: (2018)
- The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidized food grains.
- The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q.1 In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss. (2015)
PMFBY Expansion to Cover Wildlife Damage and Paddy Inundation
21-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has announced that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) will now cover crop losses due to wild animal attacks and paddy inundation from the Kharif season 2026.
- In 2018, paddy inundation (damage caused by floods and heavy rainfall) was removed from the localised calamity category due to assessment challenges, but it has now been re-included.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?
- About: PMFBY is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- It provides financial protection to farmers against crop losses caused by natural disasters, pests, or diseases and aims to support farmers financially.
- Objectives:

- Eligibility & Coverage: All farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers cultivating notified crops in designated areas, are eligible for coverage under PMFBY.
- Participation is voluntary, with non-loanee farmers making up 55% of the total beneficiaries.
- The number of farmer applications has risen from 371 lakh in 2014-15 to 1510 lakh in 2024-25, while non-loanee farmer applications grew from 20 lakh to 522 lakh over the same period.
- Risk Protection: PMFBY offers comprehensive protection against a range of risks.
- Natural Disasters: Covers losses from floods, droughts, cyclones, hailstorms, landslides, and unseasonal rainfall.
- Pest & Disease Protection: Safeguards crops against pest infestations and diseases.
- Post-Harvest Losses (Individual Farm Basis): Provides compensation for damages within 14 days of harvest, particularly for crops in a “cut and spread” condition.
- Localised Calamities: Offers individual farm-based compensation for localized disasters e.g., hailstorms, landslides etc.
- Prevented Sowing (Notified Area Basis): Farmers who cannot sow due to adverse weather despite intent and incurred costs can claim up to 25% of the sum insured.
- Premium Rates: Farmers contribute affordable premiums of 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for annual commercial or horticultural crops.
- The government provides full premium subsidies for farmers in the Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.
- Technology Deployment for Loss Assessment:
- Satellite Imagery & Drones: Employed to estimate crop areas, resolve yield disputes, and assess crop losses.
- Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs): The CCE-Agri App allows direct data uploads to the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP), ensuring transparent yield evaluations.
- YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System Based on Technology): It enables remote sensing-based crop yield estimation for fair and accurate assessments.
- Additional Tools: The scheme also leverages DigiClaim, CROPIC (Collection of Real-Time Observations and Photographs of Crops), and WINDS (Weather Information Network Data Systems) for accurate and timely assessments.
- Quick Settlement: PMFBY guarantees claim settlement within two months of harvest, offering timely compensation to help farmers prevent falling into debt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is PMFBY?
PMFBY is a central sector scheme providing financial protection to farmers against crop losses due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases.
2. Who is eligible for PMFBY coverage?
All farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers cultivating notified crops in designated areas, with participation being voluntary.
3. What recent changes are being introduced in PMFBY from Kharif 2026?
Inclusion of wild animal attacks as localised risk and reintroduction of paddy inundation cover to enhance protection for farmers in vulnerable areas.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. With reference to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements: (2016)
- Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
- This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
SC Recalls Verdict Blocking Retrospective Environmental Clearances
21-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
In a 2:1 ruling, the Supreme Court of India struck down the 2025 Vanashakti judgment banning ex post facto or retrospective Environmental Clearances (ECs), stating that its continuation would cause “devastating” consequences and put thousands of crores of public investment at risk.
- This ruling was based on the idea that it allowed violators of environmental laws to circumvent legal requirements, undermining efforts to protect the environment.
What are Ex Post Facto Environmental Clearances?
- Meaning: Approvals granted after a project has already begun construction, expansion, or operation without obtaining the mandatory prior Environmental Clearance (EC).
- Purpose: Intended for rare, exceptional cases but often used to regularise violations by allowing developers to “legalise” work already carried out illegally.
- Legal Framework: The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notifications of 1994 and 2006 are built on the principle of prior environmental clearance, requiring major industrial and construction projects to begin only after their environmental impacts have been assessed and approved.
- SC’s Vanashakti Judgment, 2025 on Ex Post Facto ECs: The Vanashakti judgment struck down the 2017 notification and 2021 office memorandum (OM) issued by the MoEFCC that allowed ex post facto (retrospective) environmental clearances.
- The Court held that retrospective ECs are a “gross illegality” and an “anathema” to environmental jurisprudence, as they violate the precautionary principle that demands environmental harm be prevented before it occurs.
- It criticised attempts to let projects begin without approval and barred the Centre from issuing any future notifications permitting retrospective ECs.
Why did the SC Recall the 2025 Vanashakti Judgment on Ex Post Facto Environmental Clearances?
- Need for a Larger Bench Review: The CJI held that the Vanashakti ruling was per incuriam (through lack of care) because it overlooked earlier coordinate-bench judgments such as D. Swamy (2021), which allowed post-facto ECs in exceptional cases, and Alembic Pharmaceuticals (2020), where the SC discouraged such ECs but still regularised them with monetary penalties.
- Because of this conflict, the issue must be reconsidered by a larger Bench.
- Principle of Proportionality: The court noted that strict prior-approval enforcement should not lead to outcomes that harm public interest.
- Heavy penalties and compliance mechanisms already exist to deter violations without requiring demolition.
- Practical Realities of Development: Many projects began without EC due to procedural delays, not deliberate evasion.
- Retrospective ECs, used only in rare cases, help bring ongoing projects into compliance without unnecessary reconstruction. The Court made it clear they are exceptional, not routine, and must come with strict penalties.
SC’s Power to Review its Own Judgments (Article 137)
- Constitutional Provision: A review petition in the Supreme Court can be filed under Article 137, which empowers the Court to review its own judgments or orders to correct glaring errors or prevent a miscarriage of justice.
- Curative Petition: Introduced in Rupa Ashok Hurra (2002), it is the last judicial remedy available only after a review petition is dismissed.
- It addresses rare situations of judicial bias, procedural injustice, or abuse of process, ensuring fairness even after finality.
What is Environmental Clearance (EC) in India?
- About: EC is a mandatory approval process for certain development and industrial projects in India to ensure that they do not harm the environment or local communities.
- It is a legal requirement under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and is governed primarily by the EIA Notifications of 1994 and 2006.
- Projects That Need EC: Any project located in ecologically sensitive areas (e.g., national parks, biosphere reserves, mangroves, tribal areas, coastal zones) requires EC regardless of category.
- EIA 2006 mandates prior EC for over 39 types of activities and classifies projects into Category A (cleared by MoEFCC at the Central level) and Category B (cleared by State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) at State level).
- Core Steps: The process begins with an EIA study where required, followed by a public hearing to capture community concerns.
- Expert committees then appraise the project through reports and site checks before recommending approval or rejection.
- The final decision is issued within 120 days and the clearance is valid for five years.
- Concerns and Limitations: Public consultation often becomes a procedural formality rather than meaningful participation.
- The EIA process sometimes fails to account for issues raised by local communities.
- Recent provisions allow skipping public hearings in “non-conducive situations,” potentially weakening checks and balances.

How can India Effectively Balance Environmental Protection with Developmental Needs?
Conclusion
The recall of the Vanashakti judgment shows the need for a balanced approach that enforces compliance without derailing vital public projects. Going forward, transparent EC processes, strict penalties, and community participation will be key to achieving truly sustainable development.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Evaluate the role of the precautionary principle and the polluter-pays principle in India’s environmental jurisprudence.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are ex post facto environmental clearances (ECs)?
Ex post facto ECs are approvals granted after a project has already begun without mandatory prior clearance
2. Which laws govern ECs in India?
Environmental Clearance is governed by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and EIA Notifications (1994, 2006).
3. What practical reforms can reduce reliance on retrospective clearances?
Streamline prior EC processes, strengthen satellite and digital monitoring (PARIVESH/GIS), mandate environmental restoration bonds, enhance timely public hearings, and enforce strict polluter-pays penalties to deter illegal starts.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: (2021)
- Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with prior permission from the President of India.
- A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgment, as the Supreme Court does.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: C
Mains
Q. Environmental impact assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before the project is cleared by the government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal- fired thermal plants located at Pitheads. (2013)
Q. How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (2020)
Tiger Returns to Gujarat After Three Decades
21-11-2025
Source: IE
A tiger has been officially spotted in Gujarat's Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), marking the first confirmed sighting of the species in the state since it was declared extinct in 1989.
Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location & Establishment: Also known as Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, located in the Dahod district of Gujarat, borders Jhabua and Kathiwada regions of Madhya Pradesh that are both known for tiger population.
- It was declared a sanctuary in 1982.
- Flora: It has dry teak forests at the foothills and mixed deciduous forests with dry bamboo thickets on the periphery, with a high concentration of Mahua and Jamun trees, key food sources for sloth bears.
- Fauna: It is a crucial habitat for the Sloth Bear, supporting the maximum population of this species in the entire state of Gujarat. It also hosts a large population of leopards.
- Ecological Significance: Forms the catchment of river Panam, supporting water conservation and irrigation in Dahod and Panchmahals districts.

United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management(UN-GGIM)
21-10-2025
Source: PIB
India has been elected as the Co-Chair of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) for the 2025–2028 term.
- Geospatial data is time-based data that is related to a specific location on the Earth’s surface. It can provide insights into relationships between variables and reveal patterns and trends.
- The Co-Chair election reflects India’s rising influence in geospatial innovation, capacity building, and regional cooperation across Asia-Pacific nations.
- India will focus on secure digital transformation, good governance, and data-driven decision-making under the UN-GGIM Strategic Framework.
UN-GGIM
- Led by UN Member States, UN-GGIM aims to address global challenges regarding the use of geospatial information, including in the development agendas, and to serve as a body for global policymaking in the field of geospatial information management.
- UN-GGIM-AP, one of five regional UN-GGIM committees, represents 56 Asia-Pacific nations and promotes geospatial cooperation, capacity building, and shared solutions for economic, social, and environmental benefits.
OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034
21-07-2025
Source: DTE
Why in News?
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034 report, offers a 10-year outlook on global agricultural and fish markets to guide evidence-based policymaking.
What are the Global Market Trends According to OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034?
- Cereal Production and Biofuel Demand: Global cereal production is expected to grow at 1.1% annually, driven largely by yield increases (0.9% per year). However, the expansion of harvested area will slow to 0.14% annually through 2034.
- By 2034, 40% of cereal production will be consumed directly by humans, while 33% will be used for animal feed and 27% will be diverted to biofuels and industrial uses.
- By 2034, India and Southeast Asia will drive 39% of global cereal consumption growth, while China’s share will fall to 13% from 32%, reflecting changing consumption trends.
- Biofuel demand is projected to grow at 0.9% annually, primarily due to increases in countries like Brazil, India, and Indonesia.
- Agricultural and Fish Commodity Growth: Global agricultural and fish production is projected to grow by 14% through 2034, primarily driven by productivity gains in middle-income nations.
- Rise in Animal Product Consumption: Global per capita calorie intake from livestock and fish products is expected to increase by 6% over the next decade, driven by growth in lower-middle-income countries, where intake is anticipated to rise by 24% nearly four times the global average.
- This increase will raise daily intake in lower-middle-income countries to 364 kcal, but low-income countries will remain far behind, with an intake of just 143 kcal, well below the 300 kcal/day target for a healthy diet.
How does the Rising Demand for Biofuels Impact Global Food Security?
- Land Use: Growing biofuel crops can reduce land available for food production. To meet the E20 target, India would need 7.1 million hectares (around 3% of its total cropped area), raising serious concerns about land use and food security.
- Pressure on Water and Resources: Biofuel crops require significant water (ethanol production uses 8-12 liters of water per liter of ethanol) and fertilizers, straining resources needed for food farming.
- Food Inflation: Biofuels raise food prices by increasing demand for feedstock crops. India’s ethanol shift to maize and rice may divert food supplies, with rice prices rising 14.5% in 2023, hitting poor households hardest.
- Poorer nations face greater risks of food insecurity due to reduced access and affordability.
- Environmental Trade-offs: Expansion of biofuel crops can lead to deforestation and biodiversity loss, indirectly affecting food systems.
How Can Sustainable Biofuel and Food Security Policies Be Ensured?
- Feedstock Diversification: Promoting 3G ethanol (from microalgae using wastewater/sewage/seawater) offers a sustainable alternative to 1G (sugarcane, wheat, rice) and 2G (crop residues) biofuels, avoiding food and water stress.
- India can also invest in developing genetically modified (GM) crops specifically tailored for biofuel production to boost yields and reduce pressure on food crops.
- Zoning and Land Use Planning: Implement a biofuel zoning policy that prevents diversion of fertile agricultural land.
- Use marginal and wastelands for biofuel crops under strict ecological safeguards to avoid deforestation or biodiversity loss.
- Crop Diversification Incentives: Strengthen Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and procurement for diverse food grains to counter biofuel-driven monocultures.
- Align ethanol procurement policies with food surplus seasons to avoid market distortion.
- Improving Productivity and Sustainability: Increased agricultural productivity is critical to reduce undernourishment and curb GHG emissions.
- The report suggests that global undernourishment could be eradicated and emissions reduced by 7% with 15% productivity improvements and investments in emissions-reduction technologies (e.g., precision farming, livestock feed enhancements, and low-cost practices like crop rotations).
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- OECD is an intergovernmental body established in 1961 to promote economic growth and global trade. Headquartered in Paris, France it has 38 member countries, mostly high-income nations with high Human Development Index (HDI).
- While India is not a member, it is a key economic partner.
- The OECD releases several important reports and indices, including Government at a Glance and the Better Life Index.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- The FAO is the UN’s oldest specialized agency, founded in 1945, with headquarters in Rome. Its mandate is to fight hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
- With 194 member states and the EU, FAO supports countries through research, technical aid, education, and data services.
- It focuses on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and resource management, but food relief is handled by the World Food Programme.
- Key reports include State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), State of the World's Forests (SOFO), State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI), and State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss how the rising global demand for biofuels is creating trade-offs between food security.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for ethanol? (2010)
(a) Jatropha
(b) Maize
(c) Pongamia
(d) Sunflower
Ans: (b)
Q. According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (2020)
- Cassava
- Damaged wheat grains
- Groundnut seeds
- Horse gram
- Rotten potatoes
- Sugar beet
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Ans: (a)
FRA Cells Setup to Facilitate Forest Right Act
21-06-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, under the has sanctioned the setting up of 324 district-level Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells across 18 States/UTs to facilitate the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 under Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA).
What are District-Level Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells?
- About: District-level FRA Cells are administrative support units established under the DAJGUA scheme to facilitate the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
- These cells are centrally funded via Grants-in-aid by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Objective: To assist tribal claimants and Gram Sabhas in preparing and submitting forest rights claims, especially in tribal-dominated districts, aiming to reduce delays and rejections by improving documentation, field facilitation, and data management.
- Legal Basis: These cells operate under DAJGUA guidelines, not the FRA Act itself.
- Key Functions:
- Facilitate demarcation of vested forest land and conversion of forest habitations and un-surveyed villages into revenue villages.
- Support digitisation and timely uploading of FRA records to State and Central portals.
- Coordinate with State Tribal Welfare Departments, local administration, and Gram Sabhas to streamline FRA processes.
- Key Concerns Related to New FRA Cells:
- Creation of FRA Cells might lead to the formation of a parallel system outside the Forest Rights Act’s statutory framework, resulting in confusion regarding roles and responsibilities.
- There is a risk that FRA Cells may overlap with existing statutory bodies like Gram Sabha Forest Rights Committees (FRCs), Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs), District Level Committees (DLCs) and State Monitoring Committees in roles such as claimant assistance, documentation, coordination, and record-keeping leading to confusion about responsibilities and hinder smooth implementation.
- Structural issues like irregular meetings of SDLCs and DLCs and delays by Forest Departments in implementing approved claims are unlikely to be resolved by the new FRA Cells alone.
What is the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006?
- About: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 or Forest Rights Act (FRA), seeks to correct historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) who lacked legal ownership over forest land and resources.
- Objectives: To vest forest land rights in eligible forest-dwelling communities, ensuring livelihood security, community-based forest governance, and legal protection against evictions.
- Key Provisions:
- Ownership Rights: Grants ownership over Minor Forest Produce (MFP). Allows collection, use, and disposal of forest produce.
- MFP refers to all non-timber forest products of plant origin, including bamboo, brushwood, stumps, and canes.
- Community Rights: Includes traditional usage rights such as Nistar (a type of Community Forest Resource).
- Habitat Rights: Protects the rights of primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities to their traditional habitats.
- Community Forest Resource (CFR): Enables communities to protect, regenerate, and sustainably manage forest resources they have traditionally conserved.
- The Act facilitates the diversion of forest land for public welfare projects managed by the government, subject to Gram Sabha approval.
- Decentralised Framework: FRA follows a bottom-up governance model, empowering the Gram Sabha to initiate and verify claims.
- Forest Rights Committees (FRCs) are formed by the Gram Sabha to process claims at the village level.
- These claims are reviewed by Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs) and approved by District Level Committees (DLCs). State Monitoring Committees oversee overall implementation.
What is the Significance of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006?
- Recognition of Historical Rights: FRA, 2006 corrects historical injustice by legally recognizing the individual rights (up to 4 hectares for eligible STs and OTFDs) and community rights (grazing, fishing, minor forest produce, water bodies, etc.) of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) over forest land and resources, overlooked under colonial and post-colonial forest laws.
- It also recognizes habitat rights of PVTGs and seasonal access for nomadic groups.
- Empowerment through Decentralized Governance: The Act empowers the Gram Sabha to verify claims, manage Community Forest Resources (CFRs), conserve biodiversity, and oversee sustainable forest governance, promoting decentralized, participatory decision-making.
- Protection from Eviction and Right to Development: Along with the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, it safeguards forest dwellers from eviction without rehabilitation, and permits allocation of forest land for essential community infrastructure like education, health, and housing.
- Inclusive and Sustainable Conservation: Assigns responsibility to rights holders and Gram Sabhas for conservation of forests, wildlife, water sources, and ecological zones, blending traditional knowledge with sustainable use, especially for PVTGs and vulnerable forest communities.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the legal and administrative implications of creating FRA Cells under a Central scheme when the Forest Rights Act, 2006 mandates State-led implementation.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?
(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
(c) Ministry of Rural Development
(d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Ans: (d)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)
- As per recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas.
- As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce.
- The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)

Ban on Illegal Betting & Gambling Sites
21-01-2026
Source: TH
Recently, the Union Government blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling websites, taking the total blocked under this category to 7,800, following the ban on real-money online gaming under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
Online Gambling
- About: Online gambling involves internet-based betting to win money or prizes, covering casino games, sports betting, poker and lotteries, with regulations varying across countries.
- Modus Operandi: Illegal operators exploit regulatory gaps by avoiding GST, frequently switching URLs to evade blocking, and siphoning funds abroad through mule accounts, complicating enforcement and financial recovery.
- Status in India: Although betting and gambling traditionally fall under Entry 34 of the State List, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, has imposed a nationwide ban on all real-money online games.
- The Act prohibits offering, advertising, or facilitating real-money gaming and bars banks and financial institutions from processing payments linked to such platforms.
- Authorities are empowered to block illegal online gaming and gambling platforms using powers under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- GST Provision: A 28% GST applies to online money gaming, casinos and horse racing.
- Online Gaming vs Gambling: The activities based mainly on skill are treated as gaming, while those based on chance/luck are treated as gambling.
Towards Long-Term Clean-Air Strategy
20-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Supreme Court India told the Centre that enforcing a perennial Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the year is not practical for the National Capital Region (NCR) air pollution and stressed the need for a long-term pollution strategy.
- At the same time, China’s offer to sahare its urban pollution control experience has renewed the discussion on lessons India could adopt from international best practices.
How Effective is GRAP in Tackling Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis?
Short-Term Effectiveness
- GRAP offers a structured, graded system of interventions when Air Quality Index (AQI) breaches specific thresholds. This helps authorities react quickly when pollution spikes.
- Restrictions on construction, traffic, truck entry, and industrial activity temporarily lower particulate emissions during severe pollution episodes.
- By reducing physical classes, outdoor work, and vehicle movement during hazardous AQI levels, GRAP offers temporary relief to vulnerable groups.
Long-Term Limitations
- GRAP is reactive and episodic; it only activates after pollution crosses set limits, not before.
- It does not comprehensively prevent long-term sources like stubble burning, vehicular growth, or construction dust.
- Frequent bans on construction, restrictions on transport, and shutdowns disproportionately affect daily-wage earners, migrant labourers and small businesses, making perennial enforcement impractical.
- Pollution arriving from Punjab-Haryana stubble burning, dust storms, and neighbouring industrial belts cannot be solved by Delhi-centric restrictions.
- Once GRAP restrictions are lifted, pollution levels tend to rebound quickly because systemic reforms in transport, waste, agriculture, and industry remain incomplete.
Supreme Court’s Stance on Enforcing GRAP
- Rejection of Year-round GRAP: SC noted that a permanent GRAP would impose harsh restrictions that harm daily wagers, migrant workers, and construction labourers.
- It reiterated that short-term, reactive measures do not address the long-term structural causes of air pollution.
- SC Directions: The court directed the government to bring all key stakeholders (the Centre, States, farmers, and urban bodies) together to frame a long-term pollution strategy.
- It urged authorities to avoid knee-jerk actions that fail to address the structural causes of pollution and instead focus on gradual, sustainable measures that improve air quality without harming livelihoods.

How did China Deal with its ‘Airpocalypse’?
- Airpocalypse in China: Rapid industrialisation with economic liberalisation in 1978 caused a sharp rise in emissions. By the 2000s, major cities were covered in thick smog, with PM2.5 emerging as the key pollutant.
- Public health worries, global scrutiny during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and growing citizen pressure pushed the government to act, leading to major reforms that helped almost 80% of China see improved air quality since 2013.
- Experts say India today resembles China’s situation from the late 2000s.
- Steps Taken by China to Tackle Air Pollution:
- Strong Political Focus: Air quality was highlighted as a key concern in China’s 11th Five-Year Plan (2006–10).
- Cadre Evaluation System: Promotions of governors and mayors were tied to meeting pollution targets, creating strong accountability.
- Shutting Outdated Factories: Old and highly polluting units such as power plants, smelters, and paper mills were closed.
- Industrial Investment: China pushed for large-scale investment in pollution control equipment across industries.
- Push for Electric Mobility: Shenzhen electrified most of the buses by 2017, setting the pace for other major cities to expand electric mobility.
- Alongside this, China tightened vehicle emission norms, introduced strict controls on coal boilers, and shifted to cleaner residential heating systems, all of which helped cut urban pollution.
How is India’s Approach in Tackling Air Pollution Different from China’s?
- Trigger-based vs Continuous Action: India activates GRAP measures only after pollution spikes, while China works through steady, year-round enforcement.
- Regional vs Nationwide Coverage: India’s GRAP is NCR-focused, whereas China implements reforms across the entire country.
- Biomass Dependence vs Cleaner Fuels: Household biomass burning remains a major pollution source in India, unlike China, which had already reduced such emissions before major reforms.
- Federal vs Centralised Governance: India’s federal system creates overlapping authorities and slower coordination, with multiple agencies ( Central Pollution Control Board, National Green Tribunal, Commission for Air Quality Management) sometimes delaying or duplicating action, whereas China’s centralised model enables faster, top-down enforcement.
- Growth Trade-offs vs Strong Political Push: Pollution control in India is often seen as competing with economic growth goals, whereas China supported its air-cleaning efforts with strong political will and heavy financial investment.
What Long-term Clean Air Strategies can India Realistically Learn from China?
- Continuous action: Move beyond seasonal, trigger-based responses like GRAP and adopt year-round pollution management.
- Strengthen Accountability: Link air-quality targets to the performance of local and state authorities, similar to China’s cadre evaluation pressure.
- Tighten Industrial Emissions: Enforce stricter norms, modernise outdated units, and push industries to adopt cleaner technologies.
- Prioritise cleaner mobility in big cities through electric buses, better metro networks, and disincentives for private vehicles.
- Improve Household Energy Access: Reduce biomass burning in rural areas by making clean cooking fuels and electricity more affordable and reliable.
- Strong Monitoring Systems: Use better satellite tracking, real-time sensors, and strict reporting rules to prevent undercounting of emissions.
Conclusion
Delhi’s pollution crisis needs long-term, steady action rather than seasonal curbs like GRAP. India must adapt consistent enforcement, cleaner mobility, and strong accountability to its own needs while protecting livelihoods and ensuring a coordinated, year-round effort.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the measures required to scale up clean mobility in Indian cities and the likely socio-economic impacts.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is GRAP and why is it criticised?
GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) is a trigger-based set of measures for the NCR activated at high AQI levels; it is criticised for being seasonal and reactive rather than part of a continuous, structural air quality strategy.
2. Why did the Supreme Court reject year-round GRAP?
The Court said a year-round GRAP would impose harsh, prolonged restrictions harming migrant labour, daily wagers and construction workers, and urged a multi-year plan that safeguards livelihoods while reducing pollution.
3. What concrete lessons does China offer for India?
Key lessons include continuous enforcement, strong accountability (linking official performance to air targets), large investments in pollution control, and rapid deployment of electric buses and cleaner heating systems.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? (2016)
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
Q. Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
A. silver iodide and potassium iodide
B. silver nitrate and potassium iodide
C. silver iodide and potassium nitrate
D. silver nitrate and potassium chloride
Ans: A
Mains:
Q. Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country, but the air pollution is a much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (2015)
Q. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? (2021)
Efficient Water Management in Agriculture
20-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
At the 6th National Water Awards, President Droupadi Murmu urged urgent innovation in agricultural water use, reminding the country that water is a sacred and finite national resource.
What are the National Water Awards?
- About: The National Water Awards launched in 2018, under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- The awards were conceived as a platform to honour individuals, organisations, and states that demonstrate innovation, leadership, and dedication in the field of water conservation.
- Purpose: To support the national vision of “Jal Samridh Bharat” - a water-secure and water-enriched India.
- They promote water-use efficiency, recycling and reuse, and broader public awareness.
- The awards aim to strengthen people’s participation, build capacity and support the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources.
- 6th National Water Awards: The 6th National Water Awards 2024 selected 46 winners, including joint awardees, across 10 categories.
- Maharashtra topped the Best State category, followed by Gujarat and Haryana.

What is the Need for Efficient Water Use in Agriculture?
- Mismatch Between Irrigation and Cropping Cycles: Large irrigation projects often take years to complete and miss peak sowing periods, reducing their usefulness.
- Canal repairs and desilting often finish after the monsoon, reducing their usefulness for the kharif season, and ageing canal networks lose up to 40% of water due to seepage, leakage, theft and poor maintenance.
- Policies promoting paddy and sugarcane have increased pressure on stressed aquifers, while some states providing free electricity for agriculture has encouraged excessive borewell pumping, worsening groundwater depletion.
- The lack of integration of traditional water harvesting structures weakens groundwater recharge and increases dependence on pumping.
- Minimal Use of Real-Time Data and Technology: Most irrigation decisions are made without using weather forecasts, soil moisture data or crop water requirement models.
- Only a few states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, have begun applying remote sensing or crop analytics.
- Limited Adoption of Micro-Irrigation: Drip and sprinkler systems cover only about 12% of India’s irrigated area.
- Small farmers struggle with high installation costs, inconsistent electricity supply and limited technical support, slowing the shift toward efficient water use.
- Waterlogging and Soil Salinity: Poor drainage planning has placed nearly 13 million hectares of irrigated land at risk of waterlogging.
- These conditions sharply reduce crop yields and damage soil health.
- Groundwater Extraction and Contamination: India extracts about 25% of the world’s groundwater. Since groundwater supports 62% of irrigation and a major share of rural and urban water needs, overexploited blocks with declining recharge demand urgent innovation.
- Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides has led to nitrate contamination in 56% of districts. In coastal belts, over-extraction has caused salinity intrusion, reducing agricultural productivity and harming ecosystems.
- Climate Change and Erratic Monsoons: Since the monsoon provides nearly 60% of groundwater recharge, unpredictable rainfall patterns directly affect irrigation security.
- In 2023, a 5.6% rainfall shortfall across more than 200 districts pushed states like Tamil Nadu to over-extract deep aquifers.


What Innovative Measures Can Support India’s Long-Term Water Security?
- AI-Driven Piped Irrigation Systems: Building on Microsoft’s Project FarmVibes, integrating piped irrigation with Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and satellite data enables precise, need-based water delivery to crops.
- This reduces transmission losses, prevents over-pumping and ensures equitable distribution, especially to tail-end farmers directly addressing India’s water loss and chronic groundwater stress.
- Digital Twin Models for Irrigation Command Areas: Creating virtual, real-time replicas of irrigation networks helps track canal releases, soil moisture, crop stress and groundwater levels.
- These models support dynamic water allocation and minimise mismatch between irrigation scheduling and crop cycles.
- Village-Level Water Budgeting: Preparing annual water budgets for villages and aligning cropping patterns with actual water availability reduces over-extraction and prevents cultivation of high-water crops in stressed regions.
- This approach strengthens local accountability and directly addresses aquifer depletion.
- Aquifer Recharge Using Modern and Traditional Systems: Combining recharge shafts, percolation tanks and treated wastewater with restored traditional structures like baolis and johads can rebuild depleted aquifers.
- This hybrid recharge strategy is essential for states that have crossed safe extraction limits.
- Smart Micro-Irrigation: Solar-powered drip and sprinkler systems linked to automated valves allow farmers to irrigate based on soil moisture and weather forecasts.
- This ensures major water savings, lowers energy use and reduces dependence on erratic electricity supplies.
Conclusion
India’s water future depends on how wisely and efficiently every drop is used. By combining technology, community leadership and sustainable farming practices, the country can rebuild its fragile water systems. With timely innovation and collective effort, long-term water security can shift from a looming challenge to an achievable reality.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Examine the need for innovation in agricultural water use in the context of India’s groundwater depletion.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the National Water Awards?
They recognise innovation and leadership in water conservation, supporting the vision of Jal Samridh Bharat and encouraging efficient water use, recharge and community participation.
2. What isJal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative?
It promotes large-scale community-led groundwater recharge through the 3Cs model—Community, CSR and Cost—resulting in 35 lakh recharge structures, far exceeding targets.
3. Why does India need innovation in agricultural water use?
Because traditional irrigation causes 40% water loss, groundwater is over-extracted, micro-irrigation adoption is low and climate change is making monsoons unpredictable.
4. What targets were set under the JSJB initiative?
Districts were tasked with 10,000 recharge structures (3,000 in NE/Hilly areas), Municipal Corporations with 10,000, and Urban Local Bodies with at least 2,000 structures.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. With reference to ‘Water Credit’, consider the following statements: (2021)
- It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.
- It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.
- It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Q2. What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? (2014)
- Prevention of soil runoff
- Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
- Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table
- Regeneration of natural vegetation
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q.1 What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020)
Q.2 Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (2020)
Curbing Fake News in India
20-09-2025
Source:TH
Why in News?
The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology in the Parliament has proposed several measures aimed at curbing the spread of ‘fake news’ and misinformation, highlighting the potential harm such content can cause to public order and democratic processes.
What are the Key Recommendations to Curb Fake News?
- Fact-checking Mechanisms: The committee favors making it mandatory for all media organizations to have a fact-checking mechanism and an internal ombudsman to oversee editorial content.
- Penal Provisions: It suggests amendments to laws to increase fines and hold media accountable for editorial content and discourage the spread of misinformation.
- The panel supports a clear definition of 'fake news' and incorporates it into existing media regulations while ensuring that such efforts do not infringe on freedom of speech or individual rights.
- Strengthening the Press Council of India: Create a complaint portal and an independent monitoring body for better oversight
- Regulation of AI-generated Content: Licensing for AI content creators and mandatory labeling of AI-generated material, such as videos, to enhance transparency and reduce the spread of deceptive material.
What is the Need to Curb Fake News?
- Threat to Democracy: Fake news can manipulate public opinion, especially during elections, undermining the democratic process.
- Fake news undermines citizens’ right to information, which is protected under Article 19 as upheld by the Supreme Court of India in Raj Narayan vs. Uttar Pradesh Government (1975).
- Disruption of Public Order: Misinformation can lead to violence and unrest, threatening social stability.
- In 2018, WhatsApp rumors about child kidnappers in India led to mob lynchings across several states, causing deaths and public disorder.
- Erosion of Trust: Fake news reduces trust in media and institutions, making it harder for society to make informed decisions.
- During the Covid-19 pandemic, misinformation regarding vaccines and treatments circulated widely, causing people to question government health guidelines and delaying vaccination efforts.
- National Security Risks: Misinformation can destabilize nations and create divisions, posing a security threat.
- Health and Safety Risks: False health information can lead to dangerous behaviors, negatively affecting public health by causing panic, fear, depression, and fatigue.
What are the Challenges in Regulating Fake News?
- Defining Fake News: Defining what constitutes "fake news" is subjective, there is no universally accepted definition making it difficult to distinguish fake news from opinions, satire, or commentary.
- Freedom of Speech: Excessive regulation risks curbing the fundamental right to free speech under Article 19 of the Constitution. Balancing regulation with democratic freedoms is complex.
- Rapid Spread on Digital Platforms: Social media enables instant sharing of content, allowing fake news to go viral before fact-checking can occur. This rapid dissemination makes timely intervention difficult.
- Many social media platforms are based outside India, creating legal and jurisdictional challenges in enforcement and accountability.
- Technological Complexity: AI-generated content, deepfakes, and automated bots can create highly realistic misinformation that is hard to detect. Laws often lag behind these fast-evolving technologies.
- The anonymity provided by the internet allows people to spread false information without accountability. This makes it difficult to trace the originators of fake news and hold them responsible.
- Low Digital Literacy: A significant portion of the population lacks the skills to critically evaluate information online, making them more vulnerable to misleading content.
- Risk of Government Overreach: Heavy-handed regulation may be perceived as censorship, potentially undermining trust in authorities and media institutions.
- Political and Social Polarization: In politically or socially polarized environments, people may be more likely to accept fake news that aligns with their beliefs, making it harder to regulate and challenge misinformation effectively.
What are India’s Initiatives to Prevent Spread of Fake News?
- Press Council of India (PCI): Provides guidelines for ethical journalism.
- IT Act, 2000: Empowers the government to regulate intermediaries and online content.
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact-Check Unit: Counters government-related misinformation.
- Election Commission of India (ECI): ECI introduced 'Myth vs Reality Register' to proactively combat mis-information in General Elections 2024.
- ECI also conducts campaigns to counter fake news during polls.
- Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Advisory ( 2024): Prohibits promotion of online betting and surrogate ads targeting Indian users.
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Framework for law enforcement to tackle cybercrimes.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Allows citizens to report cybercrimes; routed to State/UT police for action.
What Robust Mechanism can Strengthen Fake News Regulation in India?
- Strengthen Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Legislation should precisely distinguish fake news from opinions, satire, or dissent to avoid misuse.
- Singapore’s criminal laws on misinformation and EU’s self-regulatory code provide insights on balancing regulation and enforcement.
- Empower and Institutionalize Fact-Checking: Fact-checking organizations should be certified by a central body, with regular audits to ensure adherence to quality standards.
- The European Fact-Checking Standards Network offers models for transparency and reliability.
- Platform Accountability and Regulation: They must ensure transparency by disclosing recommendation and amplification algorithms to prevent the viral spread of false information, as exemplified by the EU Digital Services Act, which mandates platform accountability and swift removal of illegal content.
- Additionally, platforms should clearly label synthetic or AI-generated content to keep users informed and aware of manipulated or automated material.
- Leverage Technology and AI Responsibly: AI tools can amplify fake news, but with purpose-built AI tools and human oversight, it can also mitigate it at scale.
- Promote Media Literacy and Public Awareness: Integrate digital literacy into school curricula and encourage critical thinking and responsible sharing behavior on social media.
- Use local influencers, fact-checkers, and NGOs to reach linguistically and culturally diverse populations.
- Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Align efforts of MeitY, MIB, MHA, and Consumer Affairs for unified action. Ensure content removal or penalties are subject to review to prevent misuse.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Examine how India can balance freedom of speech and regulation of misinformation in the digital age.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Mains
Q. What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (2014)

NE-SPARKS
20-09-2025
Source: PIB
The Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region interacted with school students from the North Eastern Region (NER) who participated in the NE-SPARKS program.
NE-SPARKS
- About: The 'North East Students' Programme for Awareness, Reach, and Knowledge on Space' (NE-SPARKS) is a flagship initiative to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) from NER.
- Collaborative Effort: It is supported by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) in collaboration with the 8 North Eastern States, North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC)-ISRO.
- Funding: The program is funded by the MDoNER and the state Govt. in 60:40 ratio respectively. NESAC is the nodal agency.
- Scale & Reach: The program aims to facilitate exposure visits for 800 meritorious science students (100 from each NE state) to premier ISRO centres, like those in Bengaluru.

Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme
20-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
Recently, the Government has released performance outcomes of the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme, highlighting large enrolment, shared wafer runs, student-designed chips and patent generation.
What is the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme?
- About: The C2S Programme is an umbrella capacity-building initiative launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in 2022, with a total outlay of ₹250 crore over five years, covering academic institutions across India.
- Target: The C2S Programme targets the development of 85,000 industry-ready professionals across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
- Expansion: Beyond skill development, it seeks to incubate 25 start-ups, enable 10 technology transfers, provide access to SMART lab facilities, train one lakh students, generate 50 patents, and support at least 2,000 focused research publications.
- Impact: Through this integrated approach, the programme promotes innovation, enhances employability, strengthens the role of academic institutions in India’s semiconductor value chain, and lays a strong foundation for self-reliance and global competitiveness in the semiconductor sector.
- Programme Approach: The C2S Programme follows a comprehensive, hands-on model that integrates academic instruction with industry-led training, mentorship, and multi-year R&D projects.
- Through a coordinated institutional ecosystem involving academic institutions, the ChipIN Centre at C-DAC Bengaluru, and NIELIT SMART Labs, the programme provides shared infrastructure, centralized training, and end-to-end exposure to chip design, fabrication, and testing using advanced EDA tools and real-world semiconductor workflows, including ASICs, SoCs, and IP core development.
- Fabrication: Under the C2S Programme, the Centre aggregates student chip designs from participating institutions every quarter, verifies design compliance, and consolidates approved layouts onto shared wafers that are fabricated using 180 nm technology at the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali, followed by packaging and delivery of fabricated chips to students.
- Support: The ChipIN Centre also offers centralized technical support and handholding to participating institutions, resolving over 4,855 support requests, and enabling continuous design improvement and large-scale hands-on exposure to semiconductor fabrication and testing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme?
The C2S Programme is a MeitY initiative launched in 2022 to build semiconductor design capacity in Indian academic institutions and start-ups.
2. What are the main objectives of C2S?
The programme aims to train skilled semiconductor professionals, support start-ups and technology transfers, and promote patents and research in chip design.
3. What is the ChipIN Centre?
The ChipIN Centre at C-DAC Bengaluru is a national shared design facility providing tools, IP libraries, mentoring and fabrication aggregation.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer? (2008)
(a) Dye laser
(b) Gas laser
(c) Semiconductor laser
(d) Excimer laser
Ans: (c)
Q. With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: (2018)
- India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
- The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Revisiting Gender Neutrality in POCSO Act, 2012
19-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Supreme Court issued notice in a case where a woman is accused of ‘penetrative sexual assault’ on a minor boy under Section 3 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
- The case has renewed debate on the Act’s gender neutrality, especially whether it covers female perpetrators of child sexual abuse.
What is the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012?
- About: POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to address the heinous crimes of sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
- It was amended in 2019 that increased punishments, including the death penalty for aggravated penetrative sexual assault of a child.
- Salient Features:
- Gender Neutrality: The Act is gender-neutral and safeguards all children, irrespective of gender.
- Definition of a Child: It defines a child as any person below 18 years of age.
- Coverage of Abuse: The Act covers penetrative and non-penetrative assault, sexual harassment, and pornography. Offences are aggravated if committed by someone in trust or authority or against a mentally ill child, and child trafficking for sexual purposes is also punishable.
- Graded Punishments: Punishments range from 10 years to life imprisonment for penetrative sexual assault and 20 years to life for aggravated cases, with stricter terms if the child is under 16.
- Use, possession, attempt, and abetment of offences, including child pornography, are also punishable, with fines or imprisonment up to 7 years depending on severity and intent.
- Judicial Process: The Act requires Special Courts to try offences. It ensures that the evidence of the child is recorded within 30 days, and the trial is completed within 1 year, wherever possible.
- Scope and Overriding Effect: The POCSO Act has an overriding effect over other laws if there is inconsistency. It applies only to child survivors and adult offenders, while cases of child-on-child offences or child-on-adult offences are governed by the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000.
Does the POCSO Act, 2012 Uphold Gender Neutrality?
- Statutory Interpretation: Section 3 of POCSO act defines penetrative sexual assault using gender-neutral terms and does not explicitly limit the offence to male perpetrators.
- The use of the pronoun ‘he’ in statutory language is governed by Section 13(1) of the General Clauses Act, 1897, which states masculine words include the feminine unless the context specifies otherwise.
- Scope of Offences: The definition includes oral, digital, and object-based penetration, which can be committed by individuals of any gender.
- Section 3(d) also criminalises inducing a child to perform a sexual act on another person — expanding applicability.
- Legislative Intent: The Ministry of Women and Child Development, in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, stated unambiguously that POCSO ‘is a gender neutral Act’.
- The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the POCSO Amendment Bill, 2019 explicitly confirms that the POCSO Act is gender-neutral.
How can India Ensure Balanced Legal and Policy Frameworks for Child Protection?
- Strengthening the Legal Framework: Resolve definitional gaps in the POCSO Act, 2012 especially regarding gender neutrality, to ensure uniform and fair application of the law.
- Additionally, harmonize POCSO, JJ Act, and BNS while introducing nuanced sentencing guidelines that balance stringency with reformative justice.
- Robust Institutional Capacity: Mandate specialized training for all stakeholders and strengthen infrastructure, including Special Courts and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) capacity, to ensure faster and child-sensitive case handling.
- Proactive and Preventive Policies: Mandate strict child protection policies, including annual Personal Safety Education (PSE) for students. Use technology to enhance monitoring through a national child-protection database, data analytics, and safe, anonymous reporting platforms for children.
- Address Digital Age Challenges: Strengthen responses to Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) through updated protocols, specialized cyber cells, and collaboration with tech companies to remove content and identify victims.
Conclusion
The POCSO Act, 2012 is gender-neutral, protecting all children from sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation. Its provisions, intent, and judicial interpretation allow prosecution of offenders of any gender, ensuring justice and comprehensive child protection.
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Drishti Mains Question
Q. Discuss the significance of the POCSO Act, 2012 in safeguarding children from sexual offences in India.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the POCSO Act, 2012?
It is a gender-neutral law enacted to protect children under 18 from sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation, with provisions for Special Courts and child-friendly trials.
2. Is the POCSO Act applicable to female offenders?
Yes, statutory interpretation and legislative intent confirm gender neutrality, allowing prosecution of both male and female perpetrators.
3. How does the Act ensure speedy and child-friendly trials?
Evidence recording within 30 days, trial completion within 1 year, in-camera proceedings, female officers for statements, and immediate rehabilitation via shelter homes or hospitals.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India?(2017)
- Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
- Abolition of untouchability
- Protection of the interests of minorities
- Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. (2016)
Shaping India’s AI-Driven Economy
19-11-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to drive India’s next phase of economic growth, with NITI Aayog estimating that AI could add USD 500–600 billion to GDP by 2030.
What does NITI Aayog Reports Say about AI’s Impact on the Indian Economy??
- Roadmap for Job Creation in the AI Economy: This report presents India’s strategic plan to address the disruptions caused by AI, aiming to position the country as the global hub for AI-driven workforce development.
- It introduces the 3W framework for AI and outlines its potential impact on work, workers, and the workforce.

- Roadmap on AI for Inclusive Societal Development: This report focuses on utilizing cutting-edge technologies to transition informal workers into a more formal, empowered, and future-ready labor force.
- It emphasizes AI’s potential to enhance inclusivity and foster sustainable development.
- AI as Both a Challenge and Opportunity for India: AI presents both challenges and opportunities for India’s economy.
- While it disrupts traditional formal jobs, it simultaneously provides a unique opportunity to formalize and significantly improve the productivity of the vast informal workforce.
What Potential does AI Hold for India's Economic Transformation?
- Job Creation in New, High-Value Sectors: India could create up to 4 million new jobs by 2031, especially in tech and customer service, with jobs ranging from Prompt Engineers to Quantum ML Engineers and advanced AI model developers.
- Enhanced Global Economic Standing: India can become the “AI workforce capital of the world” by shifting from traditional IT services to AI-driven work and innovation, using its strong digital talent base.
- The proposed India AI Talent Mission can also help reverse brain drain, similar to efforts in Singapore and the UAE.
- New Revenue Pools and Industries: It opens new avenues like AI-driven drug discovery and smart manufacturing, while its convergence with Quantum Computing, IoT, and 5G is creating opportunities in smart cities and logistics optimization.
- Productivity Gains: AI boosts efficiency and global competitiveness, delivering 10–20% productivity gains in software development and reducing costs in customer service through chatbots and real-time translation.
- Foundation for a Future-Ready Economy: Creating an open-source India AI Commons will provide datasets, models, and benchmarks to democratize innovation, while India’s AI Compute Grid will offer shared high-performance computing access to boost local R&D and retain talent.


What are the Challenges Posed by AI to the Indian Economy?
- Job Losses in the Tech Sector: As per Niti Aayog, the IT services workforce may drop from 7.5–8 million (2023) to 6 million by 2031.
- Overall, 60% of formal jobs in India face automation risk by 2030, with the IT and BPO sectors especially vulnerable due to routine, scalable tasks.
- Education System Gaps: India faces gaps in computer science education, with limited access and outdated AI curricula that miss emerging concepts like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG).
- These weaknesses contribute to low research output, with AI patent shares dropping to under 5%, and fewer than 500 AI-related PhDs produced each year.
- AI Talent Supply-Demand Gap: AI talent demand is rising at 25% CAGR (from 800,000 to 1.25 million by 2026), while supply grows at only 15% CAGR.
- India also faces net negative talent migration, losing top AI researchers at a rate of 1.55 per 10,000.
- Broader Systemic Risks: India risks losing competitiveness and strategic ground to countries like China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Singapore, while socially, limited protection for 400 million informal workers and uneven impacts across regions and groups create major challenges.
What Recommendations has NITI Aayog Made for the Sustainable Use of AI in India?
- Embed AI in the Education System: Integrate AI learning from schools, expand AI-focused higher education, and increase AI PhD fellowships to strengthen research, while ensuring curricula stay updated through faculty–industry collaboration.
- Become a Global AI Talent Magnet: Offer competitive grants, high salaries, and priority access to the national computer grid to retain and bring back Indian AI researchers, and introduce a dedicated AI talent visa to attract global experts.
- Building an AI Skilling Engine: Launch national reskilling programs by scaling NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme) and PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana) for widespread AI literacy, and introduce flexible AI master's and doctoral pathways for working professionals to upgrade into high-skill roles.
- Establishing India Open-source AI Commons: Create a central AI commons with high-quality datasets, models, and benchmarks, incentivize data contribution from universities and ministries, and ensure trust and transparency through reliable validation tools.
- Federated National Compute & Innovation Grid: Consolidate fragmented HPC resources into a unified compute grid, and provide tiered, affordable access for students, startups, and researchers to support advanced model training and reduce dependence on foreign infrastructure.
Conclusion
AI offers India a transformative economic opportunity—NITI Aayog estimates USD 500–600 billion GDP boost by 2030—if paired with reskilling, stronger AI education, robust data governance, open-source commons, and national computational infrastructure. Strategic policy, inclusive skilling, and research investments are essential to mitigate job displacement and regional inequality for sustainable growth.
|
Drishti Mains Question
Q. Artificial Intelligence is a double-edged sword for the Indian economy. Critically analyze this statement and suggest a strategic roadmap for India to become a global leader in inclusive AI.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the projected contribution of AI to India’s GDP by 2030?
NITI Aayog estimates that AI could contribute USD 500-600 billion to India’s GDP by 2030 through productivity and innovation gains.
2. How many jobs could AI create in India by 2031?
AI could generate up to 4 million new jobs by 2031, particularly in tech, customer service, and high-value AI roles.
3. How does AI pose a risk to India's formal job sector?
NITI Aayog highlights a risk of large-scale job displacement, with the IT services workforce potentially shrinking from 7.5-8 million to 6 million by 2031, affecting 60% of formal sector jobs.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
- Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
- Create meaningful short stories and songs
- Disease diagnosis
- Text-to-Speech Conversion
- Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (2023)
Kerala Model for Sustainable Urbanisation in India
19-09-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
Kerala is the first State in India to set up an Urban Policy Commission (KUPC) with a 25-year roadmap to manage rapid urbanisation sustainably.
- KUPC report, submitted to the State government, has drawn national attention as the Kerala model offers lessons for other States in balancing growth with climate resilience, governance reform, and financial empowerment.
What are the Key Recommendations of the KUPC Report for Sustainable Urbanisation?
- Kerala Urban Policy Commission (KUPC): It was set up to rethink Kerala’s urban future, viewing cities as climate-aware ecosystems rather than just infrastructure clusters.
- With Kerala’s urbanisation expected to cross 80% by 2050 and rising climate risks, the KUPC recommends a place-based strategy focusing on climate resilience, finance, governance, city identity, and inclusive well-being.
- Key Recommendations:
- Climate-Sensitive Urban Planning: Use hazard maps (floods, landslides, coastal risks) in zoning rules to prevent disaster-prone development.
- Real-Time Urban Data System: Set up a digital observatory using tools like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) satellite data, and weather sensors to guide municipalities.
- Green Fees & Climate Insurance: Introduce green fees for eco-sensitive projects and parametric climate insurance to fund resilience and disaster response.
- Municipal and Pooled Bonds: Major cities can issue municipal bonds, while smaller towns should adopt pooled bond models for infrastructure funding.
- Urban Governance Reforms: Create elected city cabinets led by mayors. Form expert teams in municipalities for waste, climate, transport, etc.
- Launch “Jnanashree” to recruit skilled youth into local governance.
- Place-Based Urban Growth and Inclusive Planning: Recognize and promote unique strengths of each city (e.g., Kochi as a FinTech hub, Thiruvananthapuram & Kollam as a knowledge corridor, Kozhikode as a literary city, and Palakkad & Kasaragod as smart-industrial centres).
- Restore wetlands, waterways, and heritage zones to preserve local ecosystems and cultural heritage.
- Establish City Health Councils to provide healthcare and welfare support for migrants, gig workers, and students, ensuring equitable urban services.
- Community-Driven Data: Advocates blending community experiences (like those of fisherfolk and street vendors) into urban data systems, making planning participatory and grounded.
Urbanisation in India
- According to the World Bank, India’s urban population will reach 600 million (40%) by 2036, up from 31% in 2011, with cities driving nearly 70% of GDP.
- Key Drivers of Urbanisation in India:
- Demographic Transition & Migration: Rural–urban migration driven by jobs, education, healthcare, and better amenities.
- Agrarian distress, shrinking landholdings, and climate change push migration further.
- Economic Transformation: Shift from agriculture to industry and services. Expansion of IT, manufacturing, and services makes cities engines of growth, innovation, and employment.
- Policy Push & Urban Missions: Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0, and National Infrastructure Pipeline reshape urban infrastructure, improve housing, and promote entrepreneurial hubs.
- Technological Integration: AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and digital public infrastructure (DPIs) enable smart governance, efficient service delivery, and better resource management in cities.
- Globalisation & Aspirations: Integration into global markets and rising aspirations of the youth accelerate demand for urban lifestyles, consumption patterns, and modern urban spaces.

What Measures Can the Kerala Model Offer for India’s Urban Planning?
- Mnemonic: KERALA
- K – Knowledge & Community Data: Blend satellite and sensor data with citizen inputs, ensuring policies reflect lived realities.
- E – Elected & Specialist Governance: Shift from bureaucratic inertia to elected city cabinets, specialist municipal cells, and youth technocrats.
- Set up time-bound urban commissions tailored to local geography, culture, and climate instead of relying only on centralised frameworks.
- R – Resilience & Climate Integration: Make hazard mapping and resilience integral to every stage of planning, not an afterthought.
- A – Autonomy in Finances: Equip municipalities with tools like pooled bonds, green fees, and climate insurance for fiscal autonomy.
- L – Livelihood & Land-sensitive Planning: Promote regional economic hubs rooted in local strengths while safeguarding commons, culture, and heritage.
- A – Awareness & Citizen Participation: Strengthen voluntarism, community engagement, and public participation in urban planning decisions.

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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. India’s urban planning must shift from bureaucratic inertia to participatory and place-based governance. Discuss
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)
Mains:
Q. The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (2016)
Q. Do government schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies? (2014)
Swachhata Hi Seva 2025
19-09-2025
Source: PIB
The Government of India launched the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign, conducting cleanliness drives nationwide.
- Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 continues the momentum of the Swachh Bharat Mission (2014), reinforcing India’s commitment to sanitation and hygiene.
- SHS 2025 theme, “Swachhotsav”, blends the spirit of festive celebrations with the responsibility of cleanliness.
- The campaign focuses on voluntarism, collective action, and public participation, promoting the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to engage citizens in maintaining clean surroundings.
Swachh Bharat Mission(SBM)
- Launch & Objective: SBM (Grameen) and SBM (Urban) were launched in 2014 to eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation in rural and urban India.
- SBM-Grameen:
- Phase I (2014-2019): Achieved 100% sanitation coverage, over 10 crore household toilets, and declared all villages ODF.
- Phase II (2020-2025/26): Focuses on sustaining ODF, solid and liquid waste management, and transforming villages to ODF Plus Model.
- SBM-Urban (SBM-U):
- Phase I (2014-2021): Targeted ODF cities and 100% scientific management of municipal solid waste across 4,041 statutory towns.
- Phase II / SBM-U 2.0 (2021-2026): Aims for “Garbage Free” cities, institutionalizing Swachh behavior, and contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
- Impact: SBM has significantly improved sanitation, hygiene, and waste management infrastructure, contributing to public health, quality of life, and urban-rural transformation.
Stubble Burning in India
19-09-2025
For Prelims: Environment Protection Act, 1986 (EPA), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Act, 2021, Southwest Monsoon, Volatile Organic Compounds, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, MSP, Biofuel, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization, Biochar.
For Mains: Impacts of stubble burning, reasons behind it, methods for recycling and reuse, and potential solutions for mitigation.
Source: TH
Why in News?
To address the Delhi pollution crisis, the Supreme Court directed Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to fill State Pollution Control Board vacancies within three months and urged the Union Government to impose penal measures against stubble burning.
What is Stubble Burning?
- About: It refers to the practice of setting fire to the leftover straw after harvesting crops like paddy and wheat.
- It is commonly used to clear paddy crop residues from fields before sowing wheat, typically between late September and early November.
- This practice is most prevalent in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh during this period.
- Reason for Stubble Burning:
- Mono-Cropping Patterns: The minimum support price (MSP) system primarily favors wheat and rice, encouraging mono-cropping patterns.
- As a result, farmers often resort to burning crop residues to quickly prepare their fields for the next planting season.
- Cost-Effectiveness: It is much cheaper compared to other methods of residue disposal, such as incorporating the stubble into the soil or using machinery like balers or shredders, which require significant investment and labor.
- Weed Management: Fire helps in eliminating weeds and their seeds present in the crop residues, reducing the need for additional herbicides. It is a simple way to control weed growth before sowing the next crop.
- Limited Residue Management Options: There is inadequate infrastructure or awareness about alternative residue management practices, such as composting or using crop residue for bioenergy. This makes stubble burning a default practice.
- Impact of Climate Variability: Erratic monsoons and rising temperatures delay harvesting, pushing farmers to burn stubble to meet sowing deadlines.
- Impacts:
- Air Pollution: Stubble burning releases major air pollutants like PM10, PM2.5, NOx, methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- These pollutants create smog that spreads in the air and raises the risk of asthma, COPD, bronchitis, and lung cancer.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The practice contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, thereby accelerating global warming.
- Soil Fertility Loss: Burning crop residue destroys nutrients in the soil, reducing fertility. The heat penetration also leads to loss of soil moisture and kills beneficial microbes, further degrading soil health.

What are the Challenges in Controlling Stubble Burning in India?
- Technology and Infrastructure Gaps: Standard combine harvesters leave behind 10–15 cm of stubble, which is difficult to manage without specialized equipment.
- Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) often lack sufficient machinery, and many farmers face logistical challenges in accessing these resources.
- The high silica content in paddy straw can damage machinery when used as feedstock, and the absence of an efficient supply chain for biomass collection and processing exacerbates the problem.
- Policy Hurdles: Unclear definitions of stubble burning and environmental compensation, along with confusing Red Entry compliance markings, create challenges that further burden farmers.
- Current policies often emphasize penalties over incentives, discouraging farmers from adopting eco-friendly practices.
- Economic and Funding Limitations: Limited subsidies for machinery adoption and weak frameworks for utilizing the environmental compensation fund hinder effective implementation.
- Other Barriers: There is a significant gap in training programs on sustainable alternatives to stubble burning, leading to a reliance on traditional practices.
India's Initiatives to Tackle Stubble Burning
- Framework by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
- In-Situ Crop Residue Management: Focuses on managing crop residues on the field using farm machinery, Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs), faster-growing paddy varieties, staggered harvesting, and bio-decomposers.
- Ex-Situ Crop Residue Utilization: Encourages alternative uses of paddy straw, such as biomass power, co-firing in thermal plants, 2G ethanol and compressed biogas production, and making packaging materials.
- Ban and Enforcement: Imposes prohibition on stubble burning through monitoring, enforcement, and environmental compensation to reduce air pollution from crop residue.
- Financial Support: Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), farmers receive financial assistance for procuring agricultural machinery and equipment, especially small and marginal farmers.
- Technological Interventions:
- Happy Seeder: Tractor-mounted device, sows wheat, paddy fields, cutting straw, avoiding burning, saving time, improving soil health.
- Pusa Decomposer: Microbial formulation, converts stubble, compost, enhancing soil fertility.
- Pelletization: Crop residues, biomass pellets, energy, reducing burning, generating income.
- Biochar Production: Stubble converted, biochar, improving soil fertility, water retention, microbial activity, carbon sequestration.
- Local Initiatives:
- Chhattisgarh: Gauthans-village plots where collected stubble is converted into organic fertilizer using cow dung and natural enzymes, creating employment for rural youth.
- Punjab: Mobile apps i-Khet and Cooperative Machinery Tracker facilitate farmers’ access to crop residue management machinery
What Strategies can India Adopt to Curb Stubble Burning?
- Legal Reforms: A parliamentary standing committee has proposed setting a MSP for paddy residue to reduce stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi.
- The recommendation came from the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, which reviewed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Rules, 2023.
- Infrastructure and Logistics: Implement real-time crop mapping, forecast crop maturity, build temporary storage facilities, and support local supply chains and aggregators.
- Innovative Farming Technologies: Use tools like Microbe Pusa to turn stubble into compost within 25 days and the Happy Seeder to sow wheat without burning residue.
- Encourage short-duration paddy varieties, standardize procurement processes, and enforce seed certification to reduce residue.
- Convert wheat stubble into cattle fodder and recycle it for manure, paper, cardboard, biofuel, and power generation.
- Economic Support and Pricing: Provide guaranteed prices for stubble, set benchmark prices annually, and ensure returns cover collection and labor costs.
- Post-Harvest Solutions: Introduce programs similar to MGNREGA for harvesting and composting stubble, regulate residue management, and reward farmers who adopt eco-friendly practices.
Conclusion
Stubble burning remains a significant environmental and health challenge in North India, driven by crop patterns, limited alternatives, and climate variability. Combating it requires a multi-pronged approach, combining technological interventions, financial incentives, regulatory measures, and local innovations to ensure sustainable residue management, reduce air pollution, and protect soil fertility.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Analyze the various factors that perpetuate the practice of stubble burning in North-West India despite the availability of technological solutions and government interventions.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following agricultural practices: (2012)
- Contour bunding
- Relay cropping
- Zero tillage
In the context of global climate change, which of the above helps/help in carbon sequestration/storage in the soil?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of them
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. What are the major factors responsible for making the rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success, how has this system become bane in India? (2020)
Q. Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (2015)
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
19-08-2025
Source: TH
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP) in Assam is witnessing significant ecological changes due to native and invasive plant species.
Major Threats:
- Invasive Plants: Species like Chromolaena odorata, Ageratum conyzoides, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Mikania micrantha outcompete native flora, degrade grasslands, and threaten grassland-dependent fauna.
- Native Grassland Invaders: Bombax ceiba (Simalu) and Lagerstroemia speciosa (Ajar) alter natural vegetation, increasing shrubland and degraded forest cover.
- Flooding and Anthropogenic Pressures: Recurring Brahmaputra floods, forest villages, grazing, and resource extraction causing soil erosion, fragment habitats, and accelerating biodiversity loss.
- Land Use & Land Cover Changes (2000–2024): Conversion of Grasslands and semi-evergreen forests to shrubland and degraded forests reducing habitat for endemic and grassland-dependent species like Bengal florican, Hog deer, and Swamp grass babbler, and threatening endemic feral horses (around 200 individuals left).
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP)
- Location: Located in Assam, is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers(north) and Dibru River (south).
- Biosphere Reserve: In 1997, UNESCO designated the area as a Biosphere Reserve.
- Vegetation & Climate: Semi-evergreen, deciduous, littoral, swamp, and wet evergreen forests, including the largest Salix swamp forest in northeast India.
- It has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters.
- Flora & Fauna: Flora: Dillenia indica, Bischofia javanica, Bombax ceiba, Lagerstroemia parviflora.
- Fauna: tiger, elephant, leopard, jungle cat, bears, small Indian civet, squirrels, Gangetic dolphin, slow loris, Assamese macaque.
- It is an important Bird Area (IBA) with 382+ bird species, including greater and lesser adjutant storks, greater crested grebe.
Note:
- Assam has 7 national parks:

Rising Cyber Frauds in India
19-07-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), a unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has reported a sharp surge in financial cyber frauds targeting Indian citizens, primarily originating from Southeast Asian countries.
What is the State of Financial Cyber Frauds in India as per I4C Analysis?
- Rising Financial Losses: In the first half of 2025, India lost an average of Rs 1,000 crore per month to cyber frauds, totaling Rs 7,000 crore.
- According to the I4C,the projected annual loss may exceed Rs 1.2 lakh crore (Rs 1.2 trillion) in 2025, amounting to 0.7% of India’s GDP.
- Origin & Nature of Scams: Over 50% of cyber frauds targeting Indians originated from Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, operated from high-security compounds allegedly run by Chinese handlers.
- These primarily involve stock trading/investment scams, digital arrest scams & task-based and investment-based scams.
- Indian intelligence has identified 45 scam centres in Cambodia, 5 in Laos, and 1 in Myanmar.
- Modus Operandi: Victims, including Indians, are being trafficked via fake job offers and routed through countries like Dubai, China, and Thailand to operate cyber scams.
- Recruitment agents are active across Indian states (Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, J&K, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi).
- Systemic Gaps & Enforcement Action: India’s cyber fraud ecosystem is exploited due to loopholes in digital banking transactions, issuance of ghost SIM cards by PoS agents in the telecom sector, and weak verification processes in immigration, enabling anonymous and cross-border cybercrimes.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
- About: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2020 to provide a comprehensive and coordinated response to cybercrime, including financial frauds.
- Key Objectives:
- Act as the national nodal agency to monitor, prevent, and investigate cybercrimes, especially those targeting women, children, and critical infrastructure.
- Provide an early warning system and facilitate trend analysis, pattern recognition, and data sharing among law enforcement agencies.
- Enable easy reporting of cybercrime and promote public awareness on cyber hygiene and fraud prevention.
- Assist States/UTs in building capacity of police, prosecutors, and judicial officers in areas like cyber forensics and investigation.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: A citizen-centric platform under I4C that enables individuals to report cyber frauds online. Reported complaints are forwarded to the relevant law enforcement agencies for necessary legal action.
What are Cyber Frauds?
- About: Cyber frauds are criminal activities conducted using digital technology (internet) to deceive individuals or organizations for financial gain.
- It exploits vulnerabilities in cybersecurity systems, digital platforms, or human behavior to steal money, data, or identities.
- Types of Cyberfrauds:
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Cyber Fraud/ Threats
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Description
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Digital Arrests
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Impersonating authorities (police or income tax officers) to extort money.
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Online Job/Task-Based Scams
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Fake work-from-home offers with upfront payments.
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Malware
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Malware is used to steal personal information that allows cyber criminals to gain control of a victim's computer.
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Ransomware
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Ransomware encrypts a victim's files and demands payment for decryption. E.g., WannaCry attack in 2016
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Phishing
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Phishing involves emails that appear to be from trusted sources, tricking users into clicking links that lead to fake websites and attackers gaining sensitive details e.g., credit card numbers.
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Cyberbullying
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Cyberbullying includes any threat to a person’s safety, coercion to say or do anything.
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Cyber Spying
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Cyber Spying targets a public or private entity’s network to gain access to classified data, private information, or intellectual property.
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Business Email Compromise (BEC)
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Scammers hack legitimate email accounts to impersonate suppliers, employees, or tax office members, considered a white-collar crime.
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Dating Hoodwinks
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Hackers use dating websites, chat rooms, and online dating apps to pose as potential partners and gain access to personal data.
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ATM/PoS Frauds
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Skimming card details or unauthorized transactions.
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- Consequences of Cyber Fraud:
- Individuals face unauthorised financial transactions, loss of account access, and misuse of personal data for harassment or blackmail.
- Businesses risk legal penalties, regulatory fines, and loss of market value due to compromised client data.
- Governments face threats to national security as cyber breaches target defence and critical information systems.
- Notable Cyberfraud Incidents:
- Aadhaar Data Breach (2018): Personal data of 1.1 billion Aadhaar cardholders was compromised, including Aadhar numbers, PAN and bank details.
- Canara Bank ATM Attack (2018): Hackers used skimming devices on 300 debit cards, leading to a theft of over Rs 20 lakh.
- Pegasus Spyware Case: The Israeli spyware Pegasus was allegedly used to access data from mobile devices without consent, affecting over 300 verified Indian phone numbers.
What are the Key Initiatives Related to Cybersecurity?
- Global Initiatives on Cybersecurity:
- Budapest Convention on Cybercrime: It is the first international treaty to address cybercrime through legal harmonization, investigative cooperation, and capacity building. It came into force on 1st July 2004.
- India is not a signatory of the Budapest Convention.
- Internet Governance Forum (IGF): IGF is a multi-stakeholder platform under the UN that facilitates dialogue among governments, private sector, academia, and civil society on public policy issues related to Internet governance and cybersecurity.
- UNGA Resolutions on ICT Security: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has established 2 key platforms for addressing cybersecurity:
- Open-ended Working Group (OEWG), initiated by Russia, focuses on inclusive dialogue and capacity building in ICT security.
- Group of Governmental Experts (GGE), initiated by the USA, works on developing norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and international legal frameworks.
- Indian Initiatives:
- Legislative Measures:
- Institutional Framework:
- Strategic Initiatives:
- Sector-Specific Regulations:
What Measures Should be Taken to Strengthen Cybersecurity Frameworks in India?
- Infrastructure & AI-Based Security: Strengthen digital infrastructure through firewalls, regular software/hardware updates, and AI-driven threat detection systems to proactively identify, predict, and neutralize cyber threats.
- AI tools must support ransomware prediction, incident response, and forensic analysis.
- Cyber Awareness & Literacy: Launch nationwide cyber literacy programs in regional languages targeting rural communities, youth, and senior citizens.
- Incorporate cybersecurity education in schools and universities to build digital resilience from an early age, supported by secure infrastructure and staff training.
- Institutional & Audit Reforms: Conduct mandatory cybersecurity audits in critical sectors like banking, healthcare, and utilities, including stress tests and employee preparedness.
- Establish district-level cybersecurity units for localized threat management and coordination with CERT-In.
- Corporate & Banking Safeguards: Enforce two-factor authentication (2FA), data encryption, and monitoring systems in businesses and banks.
- Financial institutions must track suspicious transactions, detect foreign IP logins, and prevent conversion of stolen funds into cryptocurrency.
- Personal Cyber Hygiene: Encourage citizens to adopt secure digital practices, such as avoiding suspicious communications, using strong, unique passwords, and not bypassing security warnings to reduce individual vulnerability to cyber fraud.
Conclusion
The rise of financial cyber frauds in India highlights the urgent need for strengthened cybersecurity measures and enhanced public awareness. While initiatives play a crucial role in combating cyber threats, the evolving nature of cybercrimes demands continuous adaptation of legal, technological, and institutional frameworks. By addressing systemic gaps and fostering digital literacy, India can mitigate the risks associated with cyber fraud and ensure a safer digital ecosystem for its citizens.
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Drishti Mains Question:
What are the key cybersecurity challenges in India? Suggest comprehensive measures to strengthen India's cybersecurity framework?
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.1 In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)
- Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
- Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
- Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
- Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Q.2 In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)
- Service providers
- Data centres
- Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
US Lists ‘The Resistance Front’ as Global Terrorist Organization
19-07-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
India welcomed the US decision to officially designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group.
Note: After the Pahalgam attack, India launched a diplomatic push urging global action against TRF.
What is the ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF)?
- About: TRF is a Pakistan-based designated terrorist group, active in Jammu and Kashmir. It emerged in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370.
- Creation of TRF: TRF was formed after LeT's leadership was decimated, to revive militancy in Kashmir under a new, local-seeming banner.
- TRF was created to give militancy in Kashmir an “indigenous” look and to avoid international scrutiny, especially from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which had greylisted Pakistan.
- Modus Operandi of TRF: TRF began as a social media-based group and evolved into a militant outfit with a strong online presence.
- TRF avoids fidayeen (suicide) attacks, unlike its parent group LeT.
- India’s and TRF: In 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the TRF a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, for its involvement in terror propaganda, recruitment, infiltration, and smuggling of arms and narcotics from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir.
Lashkar-e-Taiba
- Origins: Formed in the early 1990s as the military wing of Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad, originally created to oppose Soviet forces in Afghanistan. It is one of the largest and most active Kashmir-focused militant groups.
- Major Attack: LeT was involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks and is also linked to the 2006 Mumbai train bombings and the 2010 Pune German Bakery blast.
- Global Designation: Recognized as a terrorist group by the US and UN. Banned in Pakistan in 2002.
- Front Organizations: Uses Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FiF) for charity and recruitment. Both are now designated as aliases for LeT.
- Operations Base: Maintains training camps, schools, and clinics in Pakistan.
- Tactics: Uses both militant operations and charity work to maintain support and cover.
Note: UAPA 1967 designates terrorist organizations or individuals, criminalizes terrorist activities, and empowers authorities for investigation and prosecution.
- Under the UAPA 1967, 45 organisations are listed as terrorist groups and 23 as unlawful associations. The 2019 amendment allows individuals to be declared terrorists, helping prevent regrouping under new names.
- National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008 establishes a central agency for investigating and prosecuting terror-related offenses.
Prominent India-Centric Terror Organizations in Pakistan
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Name
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About
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Status in India as per the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
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Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM)
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Along with LET, it was responsible for the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament.
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Banned
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Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI)
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Initially formed to fight the Soviet army, later redirected efforts toward India. It operates in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India, seeking annexation of Kashmir into Pakistan.
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Banned
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Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HUM)
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Operates mainly from Pak-Occupied Kashmir and some Pakistani cities.
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Banned
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Hizb-ul Mujahideen
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The militant wing of Pakistan’s largest Islamist political party, and is one of the largest and oldest militant groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Banned
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Al Qaeda
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Operates primarily from former Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Karachi, and Afghanistan.
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Banned
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q.‘Hand-in-Hand 2007’ a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of Army of which one of the following countries? (2008)
(a) China
(b) Japan
(c) Russia
(d) USA
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. Indian government has recently strengthed the anti-terrorism laws by amending the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act, (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (2019)
PM Virasat Ka Samvardhan (VIKAS) Scheme
19-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) launched a skill training and women entrepreneurship development project under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme.
- Under this project, 150 youth candidates will be trained in Internet of Things (IoT) and 300 women candidates will receive entrepreneurship training, with stipends and industry linkages for employment opportunities.
What is PM-VIKAS Scheme?
- About:
- It is a skilling initiative from MoMA focusing on the skilling, entrepreneurship and leadership training requirements of the minority and artisan communities across the country.
- The scheme is intended to be implemented in convergence with the Skill India Mission and through integration with the Skill India Portal (SIP).
- The PM VIKAS scheme integrates the Ministry’s earlier skilling and education initiatives into a unified platform to support the socio-economic development of India’s six notified minority communities - Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis).
- The scheme also provisions to facilitate credit linkages by connecting beneficiaries with loan programs offered by the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC).
- Implementation:
- For the implementation of the scheme, the Ministry aims to select art & craft clusters in Minority Concentrated Areas (MCAs).
- The scheme also aims to converge with other Ministries like Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Education along with Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to ensure holistic development of minorities in the identified clusters.
- Components of the Scheme:
- Skilling and Training Component:
- Traditional Training (earlier known as USTTAD and Hamari Dharohar): It primarily covers training in need-based courses for minority artisan communities and their family members who are engaged in traditional arts and crafts including languishing art forms.
- Non-traditional Skilling (earlier Seekho aur Kamao): It seeks to impart skill training, particularly to minorities and artisan families, in National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliant job roles in sectors having linkages with arts and crafts along employment opportunities.
- Leadership and Entrepreneurship Component (earlier Nai Roshni):
- It aims to promote leadership development and basic entrepreneurship primarily among youth from minority communities and artisan families through focused modules.
- The Entrepreneurship sub-component of this initiative aims to provide exclusive support to women trained in leadership and basic entrepreneurship by offering intensive entrepreneurship training.
- Further, it intends to select aspiring women entrepreneurs, from amongst those trained, to become Business Mentors (to be known as ‘Biz Sakhis’ in the scheme) and promote establishment of individual or group enterprises for the same.
- Education Component (earlier Nai Manzil):
- This component aims to provide education bridge program to school dropouts from minority and artisan communities for pursuing open schooling in class 8th- 12th and provide them certification through National Institute of Open School (NIOS) or any other institutions approved by MoMA.
Schemes Related to Upliftment of Minority Communities
Schemes Related to Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Training
Gujarat's Banni Grasslands Ready for Cheetah Reintroduction
19-07-2025
Source: TH
Banni Grasslands in Gujarat, a designated site under Project Cheetah, is now ready for cheetah reintroduction with a 600-hectare enclosure, rising herbivore populations, and necessary infrastructure.
Banni Grasslands
- About: Banni is Asia’s largest grassland, located near the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
- The Banni Grasslands emerged from the sea due to tectonic activities.
- Vegetation: Vegetation is sparse and largely rainfall-dependent. It is dominated by low-growing plants, forbs, and graminoids, many of which are halophytic (salt-tolerant), along with scattered trees and scrublands.
- It is also known for the mysterious "Chir Batti" or ghost lights that appear at night.
- Ecosystem: Banni features a unique blend of wetlands and grasslands, coexisting side by side.
- Key species include Banni buffalo, Kankrej cattle, Indian wild ass, camel, and horse.
- Cultural Significance: Banni is home to several semi-nomadic communities, such as the Maldharis (silvipastoralists).
- Maldharis (keeper of animal stock) are a tribal herdsmen community living in Banni and Gir Forest regions. They rear sheep, goats, cows, buffaloes, and camels.
- An Ideal Habitat for Cheetah: The grasslands closely resemble the cheetah's natural habitat in Africa, with vast expanses of grasslands, savannahs, and scrublands, making it a perfect site for the big cats.
- The Gujarat Forest Department has set up a breeding center and enhanced the prey population (chital and sambar) to support the cheetahs.
Cheetah
- The cheetah, the world’s fastest mammal, is the only large carnivore extinct in India (1952).
- Unlike other big cats, it does not roar, but uses chirps, barks, and stutter barks to mark presence and territory.
- Cheetahs are solitary and mark territory through urine sprays, cheek rubbing, and tree scratches.


India’s First Digital Nomad Village
19-07-2025
Source: TH
Yakten, a village in Sikkim’s Pakyong district, has been officially declared India’s first digital nomad village under the ‘Nomad Sikkim’ initiative.
- About Yakten Nomad Village: It is a step towards promoting sustainable tourism, remote work opportunities, and grassroots entrepreneurship in the Himalayan state.
- It aligns with Sikkim CM’s "One Family, One Entrepreneur" initiative to foster local entrepreneurship and youth innovation.
- Aim: It aims to transform strategic locations in Sikkim into year-round hubs for digital professionals across India and abroad, while ensuring sustainable income opportunities for homestay owners during the tourist off-season, which may stretch for six months.
- About Nomad Sikkim Initiative: It is a joint initiative of the Pakyong district administration and Sarvahitey NGO to create a digital nomad hub for professionals seeking a blend of remote work and peaceful living.
- A digital nomad is a person who uses technology to work remotely, earning a living online while moving between different locations of their choice.
- The State holds the distinction of being India’s first fully organic state (2016), the first state to introduce organic aquaculture (fish farming), and the first state to achieve 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) status (2016).
Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024
19-01-2026
Source: PIB
NITI Aayog has released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, assessing the export readiness of States and Union Territories, highlighting their critical role in achieving India’s USD 1 trillion merchandise export target by 2030 and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
- Export Preparedness Index (EPI): First launched in 2020, the EPI assesses State and district-level export readiness through an evidence-based framework.
- It highlights the role of States and districts in driving exports, jobs, and global value chain integration, with emphasis on infrastructure, competitiveness, and cluster-led strategies.
- The Index links federalism with economic performance and highlights district-led export growth, supporting Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, MSMEs, and trade competitiveness.
- Framework and Coverage of EPI 2024: It is structured around 4 pillars, 13 sub-pillars, and 70 indicators.
- The four core pillars are Export Infrastructure, Business Ecosystem, Policy & Governance, and Export Performance.
- Among these, the Business Ecosystem carries the highest weightage (40%), while the other three pillars have 20% each, highlighting the growing importance of cost efficiency, MSMEs, access to finance, and innovation in strengthening export competitiveness.
- For comparative assessment, States and UTs are grouped into Large States, Small States, North-Eastern States, and Union Territories, and classified as Leaders (High export preparedness), Challengers (Moderate preparedness with scope for improvement), and Aspirers (Early-stage export ecosystems) promoting peer learning, cooperative federalism, and focused reforms.
- EPI 2024 Top Performing States and UTs: The top-performing Large States are Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, while the leading Small States, North-Eastern States, and Union Territories include Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Goa.
Urbanisation Beyond Megacities
19-01-2026
For Prelims: Statutory Towns, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), BharatNet, Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission, Municipal Bonds, Ecologically Sensitive Zone, AMRUT, Demographic Dividend, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), AMRUT 2.0, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, Finance Commission, Scheme for Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), VB-G RAM G.
For Mains: Status of urbanisation in India, Key factors driving the shift of urbanisation to small towns, associated challenges and way forward.
Source: TH
Why in News?
India is experiencing a significant shift of urbanization towards small towns. This rapid and unplanned growth presents both challenges and opportunities for balanced regional development.
- Out of nearly 9,000 census and statutory towns, only 500 are large cities, while the vast majority are small towns with populations under 1,00,000, playing a key role in shaping India’s urban future
What are the Key Factors Driving the Shift of Urbanisation to Small Towns in India?
- Saturation of Megacities: Megacities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have become economically saturated, with skyrocketing land prices, crippling congestion, and unbearable living costs for workers and mid-sized industries pushing capital and people to seek alternatives.
- Decentralized Economic Growth: Small towns function as hubs for rural non-farm diversification, providing employment in agro-processing, logistics, and services to reduce agricultural dependence.
- Towns like Sattenapalle (Andhra Pradesh), Dhamtari (Chhattisgarh), and Bongaigaon (Assam) exemplify this shift, having evolved into key logistics nodes, and service centres.
- Infrastructure and Policy Enablers: Infrastructure like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and state highways have improved physical access, while digital connectivity (BharatNet, mobile penetration) integrates towns into broader networks. Policy initiatives such as the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission and state industrial and investment policies further incentivize development by providing urban amenities and encouraging units in Tier-2/3 towns.
- Demographic and Social Factors: Demographic pressures from a young rural population seeking education and employment drive migration to nearby small towns. At the same time, rising demand for better education, healthcare, and entertainment services accelerates the transformation of large villages into service-centric urban centres.
- Resilience against Climate Vulnerabilities: Their smaller scale enables better environmental management through decentralized systems and reduces the heat island effect, providing a climate-adaptive urbanization model aligned with sponge city goals.
- Preservation of Socio-Cultural Fabric: Small towns counter the homogenizing effect of metropolitan culture by integrating modern economic opportunities with the preservation of local languages, crafts, and traditions. For instance, Srirangapatna in Karnataka has developed as an urban centre while meticulously maintaining its cultural heritage and community structure.
Status of Urbanisation in India
- As per Census 2011, the total urban population of the country is over 377 million, constituting 31.16% of the total population.
- According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), about 36% of India’s population is estimated to live in cities in 2025, a share projected to reach 50% by 2050.
- India alone will contribute well over 20 crore new urban residents between 2025 and 2050.
- According to NITI Aayog, urban areas contribute around 63% to India’s GDP, a share projected to exceed 75% by 2030 and reach 80% by 2050.
Key Government Initiative to Support Urbanisation
- Smart Cities Mission (SCM): Aims to develop 100 selected cities with sustainable and inclusive infrastructure, clean environment, and smart urban management.
- AMRUT 2.0: Targets universal functional household tap water coverage in all statutory towns and 100% sewerage/septage management in 500 AMRUT cities.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban: Provide pucca houses with basic amenities, aiming for Housing for All. Target includes sanctioning and completing houses to meet demand (over 1.22 crore houses sanctioned, with PMAY-U 2.0 covering an additional 1 crore urban families).
- Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM): Targets coverage of urban poor households across all district headquarters and cities with population ≥ 1 lakh through training, self-employment support, SHG mobilization, and formalization.
What Concerns are Associated with Shift of Urbanisation to Small Towns in India?
- Urbanization of Poverty: The primary concern is that small towns are becoming sites for the "urbanisation of rural poverty." They absorb poor populations but fail to provide pathways out of poverty.
- Employment is dominated by highly informal and precarious work. E.g., Construction labour work without contracts or social security.
- Emergence of Exploitative Local Hierarchies: New, unregulated economies allow local elites, real estate brokers, contractors, micro-financiers, and political intermediaries, to consolidate control over land, credit, and labour, leading to deepening local inequality and exploitation.
- Governance and Institutional Deficits: Small towns suffer from low own-source revenue and inadequate access to institutional finance like municipal bonds, creating a perennial dependence on state and central grants that hinders autonomous planning. Furthermore, most develop without Master Plans or Building Byelaws, resulting in haphazard construction, encroachment on ecologically sensitive zones, and inefficient land use.
- Infrastructure & Ecological Deficit: Flagship urban missions like AMRUT are metro-centric, leaving small towns with fragmented, inadequate infrastructure. Lack of piped water supply leads to dependence on private "tanker economies" and the indiscriminate mining of groundwater, creating severe ecological stress.
- Missed Demographic Dividend: With a young population migrating to these towns, the lack of quality education, skill development, and formal job creation risks squandering the demographic dividend. E.g., delivery, ride-hailing jobs with no job security or benefits.
What Measures are Required to Achieve Sustainable Urbanisation?
- Formalizing the Informal Urban: To empower small towns, mandatorily notify qualifying census towns as statutory towns, followed by massive capacity building for the new Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in planning and finance. Subsequently, develop simple, flexible, and enforceable Master Plans and Local Area Plans using GIS-based participatory mapping (e.g., SVAMITVA scheme) to integrate existing settlements and natural assets (water bodies, forests).
- Building Foundational Infrastructure: Achieve 100% coverage of sustainable basic services—water supply, decentralised Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP), and SWM—by converging funds from AMRUT 2.0, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, and Finance Commission grants. Planning must prioritize non-motorised transport networks (walkways, cycle tracks), avoiding car-centric models.
- Leverage Place-Based Economies: Strategically develop economies around local comparative advantage, agro-processing clusters, handloom & handicraft hubs, logistics centers, or eco-tourism, as envisioned under the Scheme for Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME).
- Adopt a "Rurban" Cluster Approach: Implement the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission in true spirit by developing rurban clusters where small towns anchor villages for economies of scale in service delivery. Mandate convergence of all central and state schemes (PMGSY, VB-G RAM G) at the small-town ULB level for integrated development.
Conclusion
The rapid growth of small towns in India reflects a structural urban transformation driven by economic pressures, demographic shifts, and policy enablers. While they offer opportunities for localized growth and climate-resilient development, challenges of informality, governance deficits, infrastructure gaps, and urbanised poverty demand urgent policy intervention for sustainable urbanisation.
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Drishti Mains Question:
"The proliferation of small towns in India represents the 'urbanisation of rural poverty' rather than inclusive growth." Critically examine this statement in the context of India's recent urban transition.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is driving the growth of small towns in India?
Growth is driven by saturation of megacities, decentralized economic opportunities, infrastructure connectivity, demographic pressures, and policy incentives like the Rurban Mission.
2. What role does the 74th Constitutional Amendment play in urbanising small towns?
It empowers municipalities to plan, deliver services, and mobilize resources, enabling institutional and financial capacity building for sustainable urban governance.
3. Why are small towns considered resilient against climate and public health crises?
Their smaller scale, decentralized systems, and lower density make them less vulnerable to heat islands, pandemics, and disasters compared to megacities.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements: (2020)
- Worker productivity (Rs. per worker at 2004-05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas.
- The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased.
- In rural areas, the growth in non-farm economy increased.
- The growth rate in rural employment decreased.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian Metropolises? (2023)
Q. The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (2016)
1.03 Crore New Workers Added to ESIC
19-01-2026
Source: TH
Recently, the Union Labour Ministry announced that reforms in Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), particularly the Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees (SPREE), have extended social security coverage to over one crore workers.
- Under SPREE, a one-time, penalty-free window enabled unregistered employers and employees to enter the ESIC system without retrospective liabilities, resulting in the registration of 1.17 lakh employers and 1.03 crore employees(as of 11 January 2026).
- The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) administers the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI) under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, providing socio-economic protection against sickness, maternity, disablement, employment injury, and ensuring medical care for insured workers and their dependent families.
- Parallel EPFO reforms have eased access to provident fund benefits by allowing withdrawal of up to 75% of the balance while retaining 25% for retirement, alongside expanded auto-settlement of claims through simplified processes.
- The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, administering provident fund and pension schemes under the Employees’ Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and is among the world’s largest social security organisations.
Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025
18-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025. This marks the full operationalisation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
- Together, the Act and the Rules form a clear and citizen-centred framework for the responsible use of digital personal data.
What are the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025?
- About: The DPDP Rules, 2025 operationalise the DPDP Act by creating a clear, practical system for personal data protection.
- They strengthen citizen rights, ensure responsible data use by organisations and curb unauthorized use of data.
- The Rules reduce digital harms, support innovation and help build a secure, trusted digital economy for India.
- The DPDP framework puts citizens at the centre of data protection, giving them clear control over how their personal data is used.
Core Provisions
- Phased and Practical Implementation: The Rules allow an 18-month compliance window, giving organisations time to update systems and adopt responsible practices.
- Data Fiduciaries must issue simple, purpose-specific consent notices, and all Consent Managers must be India-based companies.
- Personal Data Breach Notification: Data breaches must be reported to affected individuals without delay, using plain language that explains the incident, potential impact and steps taken, along with clear contact details for assistance.
- Transparency and Accountability: Data Fiduciaries must display clear contact information for data-related queries.
- Significant Data Fiduciaries must undergo independent audits, conduct impact assessments and follow stricter rules, including government directions on restricted or locally stored data.
- Digital-First Data Protection Board: The Rules set up a fully digital Data Protection Board with four members, allowing citizens to file and track complaints online through a portal and app.
- Appeals against the Board’s decisions will be heard by the Appellate Tribunal, TDSAT.
- Strengthening Rights of Data Principals: Individuals can access, correct, update or request deletion of their personal data, and may nominate someone to act on their behalf. All such requests must be resolved within 90 days.
What is the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023?
- About: The DPDP Act, passed in August 2023, sets out India’s framework for protecting digital personal data.
- It explains the duties of organisations handling such data and follows the SARAL (Simple, Accessible, Rational and Actionable) approach so that the rules remain simple, clear and easy to follow.
- The DPDP framework also aligns with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 by balancing privacy rights with the public’s right to information.
- Core Principles: The law rests on seven core principles. These include consent and transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, security safeguards and accountability.
- These principles guide every stage of data processing. They also ensure that personal data is used only for lawful and specific purposes.
- Data Protection Board of India: The Act sets up the Data Protection Board as an independent body to oversee compliance, investigate breaches and ensure corrective steps.
- It helps protect individual rights and strengthens trust in India’s digital environment.
- Key Terms Under the DPDP Act, 2023:
- Data Fiduciary: An entity that decides why and how personal data is processed, either alone or with others.
- Data Principal: The individual to whom the personal data relates.
- In the case of a child, this includes a parent or lawful guardian.
- For a person with a disability who cannot act independently, this includes the lawful guardian acting on their behalf.
- Data Processor: Any entity that processes personal data on behalf of a Data Fiduciary.
- Consent Manager: An entity that provides a single, transparent and interoperable platform through which a Data Principal may give, manage, review or withdraw consent.
- Appellate Tribunal: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), which hears appeals against decisions of the Data Protection Board.
- Penalties Under the DPDP Act, 2023: The Act imposes strict penalties on Data Fiduciaries, including fines up to Rs 250 crore for failing to maintain security safeguards.
- Not reporting data breaches or violating child-related provisions can lead to penalties up to Rs 200 crore, while other violations may attract fines up to Rs 50 crore.
- Significance: DPDP increases privacy rights but still keeps the RTI Act working as before. It ensures both privacy and access to information can work together.
- The amendment to Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act through the DPDP Act balances the fundamental right to privacy, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), with the right to information.
- This amendment aligns with established judicial reasoning on reasonable restrictions, codifies existing jurisprudence, and helps avoid potential conflicts between the laws.
- However, Section 8(2) of the RTI Act still permits disclosure of Information when public interest is more important than privacy harm. This keeps the core purpose of RTI intact promoting openness and accountability in public life.
- The amendment removes legal uncertainty and prevents clashes between privacy protection and information access. It maintains the essence of the RTI Act while strengthening privacy under DPDP.
What are the Rights and Protections for Citizens under India’s DPDP Framework?
|
Right / Protection
|
Description
|
|
Right to Give or Refuse Consent
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Citizens can allow or deny use of their personal data. Consent must be clear and can be withdrawn anytime.
|
|
Right to Know How Data is Used
|
Individuals can ask what data is collected, why it is used and how it is processed, and organisations must provide this information in a simple form.
|
|
Right to Access Personal Data
|
Citizens may request a copy of their personal data held by a Data Fiduciary.
|
|
Right to Correct Personal Data
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Individuals can get inaccurate or incomplete data corrected.
|
|
Right to Update Personal Data
|
Citizens can update changed details like address or contact number.
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|
Right to Erase Personal Data
|
Individuals can request deletion of their personal data in specific situations, and the Data Fiduciary must act on the request within the allowed timeframe.
|
|
Right to Nominate Another Person
|
Individuals can nominate someone to exercise their data rights on their behalf, helpful in cases of illness or other limitations.
|
|
Mandatory 90-Day Response
|
Fiduciaries must act on access, correction, update or erasure requests within 90 days.
|
|
Protection During Data Breaches
|
Citizens must be informed quickly about breaches, their impact and the steps to take.
|
|
Clear Contact for Queries
|
A Data Fiduciary must provide a designated officer or Data Protection Officer for data-related questions.
|
|
Special Protection for Children
|
Processing a child’s data requires verifiable parental/guardian consent, except for essential services such as healthcare, education or real-time safety.
|
|
Special Protection for Persons with Disabilities
|
A lawful guardian must give consent if a person with a disability cannot make decisions, as per relevant laws.
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Conclusion
The DPDP Act, 2023 and Rules, 2025 create a clear, citizen-focused system for handling personal data, strengthening privacy rights and enforcing organisational accountability. The framework supports a secure, transparent and innovation-friendly digital ecosystem, helping India advance its digital economy while protecting user trust.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss how the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and the DPDP Rules, 2025 strengthen citizen rights while enabling a secure and innovation-friendly digital economy in India.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the purpose of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023?
It establishes India’s legal framework for protecting digital personal data using the SARAL approach and defines duties for organisations handling such data.
Q. Who are considered Data Fiduciaries and Data Principals under the DPDP Act, 2023?
A Data Fiduciary decides how and why personal data is processed, while a Data Principal is the individual to whom the data relates, including guardians for children and persons with disabilities.
Q. What powers does the Data Protection Board of India have?
The Board investigates breaches, enforces compliance, orders corrective action and enables digital grievance redressal, with appeals heard by TDSAT.
Q. How do DPDP and Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 function together?
DPDP amends Section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act, 2005 to protect privacy but retains Section 8(2), allowing disclosure when public interest outweighs privacy harm, ensuring harmony between transparency and privacy.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India? (2021)
(a) Article 15
(b) Article 19
(c) Article 21
(d) Article 29
Ans: (c)
Q. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (2018)
(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.
(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (2017)
Q. Describe the context and salient features of Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023. (2024)
Ayushman Bharat and Universal Health Coverage
18-10-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The National Health Authority’s (NHA) Annual Report 2024–25 has revealed that under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) while government hospitals make up the majority of empanelled institutions, most beneficiaries are actually availing treatment in private hospitals, often at higher costs.
What are the Key Findings Regarding the AB-PMJAY?
- Dominance of Private Hospitals: Of the 31,005 hospitals empanelled under AB-PMJAY, only 45% are private, yet they account for 52% of the 9.19 crore hospitalisations and receive 66% of the total ₹1.29 lakh crore treatment cost.
- Treatment Trends: Since 2018, 14% of treatments under AB-PMJAY have been for haemodialysis, followed by fever (4%), gastroenteritis (3%), and animal bites (3%). In 2024‑25, the top specialties were General Medicine, Ophthalmology, and General Surgery.
- Patient Mobility: A key feature of Ayushman Bharat is portability, enabling treatment across states.
- Top in-migration destinations are Chandigarh (19%), Uttar Pradesh (13%), and Gujarat (11%), while states with highest out-migration are Uttar Pradesh (24%), Madhya Pradesh (17%), and Bihar (16%).
- Digital Ecosystem Progress: The government’s digital health ecosystem is progressing fast: 6 in 10 people have an ABHA number, 50 crore health records are linked, 38% of health facilities and 26% of health personnel are registered on the system.
- ABHA number is a 14-digit ID that creates a cloud-based account for securely storing digital health records.
What is Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana?
- About: Ayushman Bharat-PM-JAY is India’s flagship health insurance scheme providing financial protection for secondary and tertiary care to vulnerable families, aiming to reduce catastrophic hospital expenses and promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
- Target Beneficiaries: It covers 12 crore families (around 55 crore people), prioritizing the poorest 40% of the population. Beneficiaries are identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC-2011) and prior RSBY coverage.
- Senior citizens aged 70+ are eligible irrespective of income, totaling around 6 crore beneficiaries.
- Funding Pattern: The scheme is fully government-funded with Centre-State sharing: 60:40 for most states, 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states, and 100% central funding for Union Territories without a legislature.
- Key Components:
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs): It plans plan to set up 1,50,000 centres (formerly Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres) to provide comprehensive, free primary healthcare, including non-communicable diseases, palliative and rehabilitative care, oral, eye, ENT, and mental health services.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): It provides health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
- Implementing Structure:
- National Health Authority (NHA): Autonomous body, chaired by Union Health Minister.
- State Health Authority (SHA): Headed by a CEO appointed by the state government.
- District Implementing Unit (DIU): Chaired by District Collector/DC/DM.
- Benefits Offered:

- Key Achievements:
- Wide Reach: Over 35.4 crore Ayushman cards issued; operational in 33 States/UTs.
- Gender Equity: 49% of cards issued to women, with 3.61 crore hospitalizations availed.
- Financial Impact: 21% reduction in out-of-pocket expenses and 8% decline in emergency health loans.
- District Hospital Gains: Annual net benefit of USD 26.1 million, projected to reach USD 41.8 million (USD 169,607 per hospital).
What are the Key Issues Hindering Universal Health Coverage in India?
- Inadequate Public Health Financing: India’s public health expenditure is low at 1.84% of GDP, below the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5%, resulting in underfunded health infrastructure, while out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) stood at 39.4%.
- Limited & Uneven Reach: Schemes like Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY leave out the “missing middle” (not poor enough for subsidies, not rich enough for private insurance) and focus on secondary/tertiary care, neglecting primary and outpatient services, which account for a large part of out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE).
- Rural-Urban Imbalance: Most healthcare professionals are in urban private sectors, leading to rural shortages and insufficient public health and paramedical staff to address diseases.
- Weak Primary Healthcare: A weak primary care system forces patients to overcrowd tertiary hospitals for minor ailments, with the health system focused more on treatment than wellness and prevention.
- Regulatory Gaps: The private sector, delivering the majority of care, shows inconsistent quality and poor regulation, leading to unethical practices and overcharging, while inadequate health data systems limit evidence-based policymaking.
What Measures can be Adopted to Achieve Universal Health Coverage in India?
- Increase Public Health Funding: Increase public health spending to 2.5% of GDP, directing more funds to strengthen primary care (AAMs) and establish a robust gatekeeping system.
- Integrate Health Insurance: Develop affordable insurance for the currently excluded population and expand coverage from hospitalization to outpatient care, diagnostics, and medicines.
- Strengthen the Health Workforce: Expand medical and nursing colleges in underserved areas, provide incentives to retain rural health professionals, and invest in training community health workers, nurses, and paramedics.
- Leverage Technology: Leverage telemedicine and the ABHA digital ecosystem to provide specialist care remotely, and run public health campaigns on Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), sanitation, and nutrition.
- Improve Governance: Enforce the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010 for quality and cost standards, implement evidence-based treatment guidelines, and strengthen data systems for monitoring, planning, and accountability.
Conclusion
AB PM-JAY has significantly advanced Universal Health Coverage by providing massive financial protection and reducing out-of-pocket expenditure. However, its success highlights a critical challenge: the overwhelming patient preference for private healthcare, underscoring the need to enhance the quality and capacity of public health infrastructure for sustainable equity.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss how the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) contributes to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is AB-PMJAY?
AB-PMJAY is India’s flagship health insurance scheme providing Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care, aiming to achieve Universal Health Coverage for vulnerable populations.
2. Why do people prefer private hospitals under AB-PMJAY?
Private hospitals are preferred due to advanced technology, better infrastructure, specialist availability, attentive care, and faster access, despite only 45% of empanelled hospitals being private.
3. How does AB-PMJAY promote gender equity?
49% of Ayushman cards are issued to women, and 3.61 crore hospitalizations have supported female beneficiaries, ensuring inclusive healthcare access.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of ‘ASHA’, a trained community health worker? (2012)
- Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkup
- Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
- Providing information on nutrition and immunization.
- Conducting the delivery of baby
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. The public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest? (2015)

Major Announcements on India’s 79th Independence Day
18-08-2025
Source: HT
On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister announced key initiatives to drive the nation toward developed status by 2047.
Major Announcements
- PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: It aims to create 3.5 crore jobs in two years. Newly employed youth will receive Rs 15,000 as support, benefiting around 3 crore individuals. It marks a key step from Swatantra Bharat to Samriddha Bharat.
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Aims to develop an indigenous Iron Dome-like air defence system by 2035 to protect strategic and civilian sites, with capabilities to intercept and retaliate against enemy attacks.
- Semiconductor: India to roll out its first Made-in-India semiconductor chip by the end of 2025.
- National Deep Water Exploration Mission: The planned mission termed as “Samudra Manthan’ aims to explore offshore oil, gas, and mineral resources in mission mode.
- GST and Task Force Reforms: Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms to be launched by October 2025, with reduced taxes on essentials and relief for MSMEs and consumers.
- A dedicated Reform Task Force will drive economic growth, cut red tape, and modernise governance for a USD 10 trillion economy by 2047.
- High-Powered Demography Mission: Aims to tackle demographic imbalance from illegal migration in border areas, ensuring national security, unity, and citizens' rights.
- Nuclear Energy Expansion: India plans to increase nuclear power capacity tenfold by 2047, with 10 new reactors currently under development.
- Clean Energy Target Achieved: India has met its goal of 50% electricity capacity from non-fossil sources, five years ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Key Sports Related Bills Passed in Parliament
18-08-2025
Source: TH
Parliament has passed 2 key legislations, the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aimed at reforming sports governance and strengthening anti-doping measures in India.
National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
- Empowers the central government to establish the National Sports Board (NSB) and establishes National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, and Sports Federations for each designated sport.
- The NSB can recognise, suspend, or cancel sports bodies (incl. BCCI), conduct inquiries, frame Code of Ethics & Safe Sports Policy, regulate elections via National Sports Election Panel, and ensure international compliance.
- Mandates national/regional sports federations (affiliated with international bodies) to have a General Body, 15-member Executive Committee (at least 2 outstanding sportspersons & 4 women), and Ethics, Dispute Resolution, Athletes Committees.
- Creates National Sports Tribunal (3-member; chaired by sitting or former Judge of the SC or the Chief Justice of a HC) with civil court powers for speedy disputes; excludes doping, internal disputes, and international event matters, with appeals to the Supreme Court.
- Recognised bodies are public authorities under RTI Act, 2005 only if they receive government grants or financial assistance. They must maintain CAG-audited accounts, and obtain approval to use “India”/national insignia.
- The Centre can frame rules, relax eligibility, and restrict national teams’ participation abroad for reasons of security, public order, or safety.
Note:
- Sports is a State subject under Entry 33, List II of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution.
National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Amends National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 to strengthen the anti-doping framework in India, prohibiting doping (use of performance-enhancing substances) and aligning with UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sports.
- Empowers the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to implement anti-doping rules, conduct testing, and enforce regulations.
- Establishes the National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports to oversee NADA, advise the central government, and access information from Disciplinary and Appeal Panels.
- Specifies a clear list of anti-doping rule violations, ensuring robust enforcement, adjudication, and compliance.
Just Transition in the Global Plastics Treaty
18-07-2025
Source:DTE
Why in News?
The negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty initiated under the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution 5/14 (March 2022), have brought attention to the need for a Just Transition ensuring that efforts to end plastic pollution are both environmentally sustainable and socially fair.
- Part one of the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.1) on plastic pollution held in Busan (2024) emphasized the need for stronger legal recognition and protections for informal waste workers and other vulnerable communities.
Note: The INC, set up by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the UNEA resolution 5/14, is tasked with creating a legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution across its full life cycle.
- INC-1 was held in Uruguay (2022), INC-2 in Paris (2023), INC-3 in Nairobi (2023), INC-4 in Ottawa (2024), and INC-5.1 in Busan (2024). INC-5.2 is scheduled for Geneva (August 2025).
Why is the Inclusion of 'Just Transition' Critical in the Global Plastics Treaty?
- Ensuring Fairness, and Inclusivity: A just transition ensures fairness and inclusivity in the shift to low-carbon, sustainable economies by protecting workers and vulnerable communities. It seeks to avoid creating new injustices while trying to fix existing ones.
- It promotes green jobs, retraining, and social protection, especially for informal waste workers.
- Protecting Workers in Transition to a Plastic-Free Economy: Workers across the value chain (from production to disposal) are at risk of exclusion or economic displacement as countries move towards banning plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives.
- Informal waste pickers contribute significantly to plastic recycling (often over 50% of urban waste recovery in developing nations), yet lack recognition and legal protection.
- Gaps in the Draft Treaty on Just Transition: The draft Global Plastics Treaty recognizes waste pickers' contributions but lacks binding protections.
- It fails to define their roles in informal sectors, and Articles 8 and 9 of the Treaty merely encourage inclusion without mandating obligations, excluding informal workers from engagement. Article 11 lacks financial support for just transition programs.
- A 'Just Transition' ensures waste pickers are not marginalized in the shift to sustainability. Without binding protections, they risk economic displacement. A clear framework is essential for their inclusion, social protection, and retraining for greener jobs.
Where do Countries Stand on Just Transition in the Global Plastics Treaty?
- India: It agrees with Just Transition provisions but stresses that implementation should align with national regulations and local contexts.
- At INC-5.1 in Busan, India called for a clear scope for the Global Plastics Treaty. It urged avoiding overlaps with existing agreements like the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions or the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- India also stressed the treaty must follow Rio Declaration (1992) principles, especially common but differentiated responsibilities, national priorities, and the right to development for developing countries.
- European Union (EU): Advocates for safe working conditions and legal recognition of informal workers, emphasizing fair conditions across the plastics lifecycle.
- Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS): Proposes inclusion of indigenous people and local communities in the Just Transition process, recognizing their vulnerability to environmental degradation.
- US and African Group: Both support existing provisions, with an emphasis on involving children, youth, and waste pickers. The African Group has reservations on the legal recognition of informal workers.
- Iran: Calls for financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building, but disagrees on terms like 'vulnerable groups' and 'workers' and resists legal recognition of waste management cooperatives.
Global Plastic Pollution
- According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, over 460 million tonnes of plastic is produced yearly, with 20 million tonnes leaking into the environment, threatening ecosystems, biodiversity, and the climate.
- In 2019, macro-plastics made up 88% of the 20 million tonnes of plastic leaking into the environment, mostly from single-use items like bags, bottles, and cups.
Plastic Pollution in India
- Plastic Pollution: According to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), India generates 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with 40% uncollected polluting rivers, streets, and contributing 4% to national emissions.
- Rapid urbanisation and rising demand for plastic packaging are worsening the problem. Growth of e-commerce has led to more non-recyclable plastic waste.
- Waste management infrastructure is weak, with more uncontrolled dumpsites than sanitary landfills. Open burning is widespread, causing toxic emissions and health hazards. The EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) system is poorly enforced.
- According to the FICCI, India may lose USD 133 billion in material value from plastic packaging waste by 2030.
- India’s Initiatives to Curb Plastics:
- Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024: Strengthen plastic waste governance by mandating annual waste assessments by local bodies, introducing a centralized registration portal, and requiring online reporting for better monitoring.
- India Plastics Pact: It unites stakeholders to cut plastic use through time-bound targets, innovation, and accountability, aligned with global circular economy principles.
- Project REPLAN (REducing PLAstic from Nature): Initiated by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, focuses on reducing plastic waste by incorporating it into handmade paper production.
- Un-Plastic Collective: Voluntary initiative launched by the UNEP-India, CII, and WWF-India, where companies commit to time-bound actions to eliminate, reuse, and replace plastics through a circular economy approach.
What Should be the Roadmap for Operationalizing Just Transition within the Global Plastics Treaty?
- Binding Provisions: Ensure key provisions related to Just Transition should be legally binding rather than voluntary to ensure accountability.
- Definitional Clarity and Inclusivity: Definitions must explicitly recognize informal waste workers, especially waste pickers, as critical stakeholders in plastic recovery and management.
- Legal recognition of these workers will ensure they are integrated into both national and international policy frameworks and are provided with appropriate protections.
- Institutional Mechanisms: Establish a global Just Transition Fund to support vulnerable workers and facilitate green infrastructure.
- A dedicated fund can better help retrain workers to integrate them into formal waste systems, boost circular economy efforts, and prevent rising inequality or job loss during the plastic phase-out.
- Link Just Transition to Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: Access to clean plastic management technologies should come with safeguards for affected workers. This ensures they’re not pushed out or left behind during the shift to greener alternatives.
- Support South-South collaboration on low-cost, decentralised recycling tech. Include mandatory capacity-building programs to help countries integrate informal workers into formal waste systems.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of integrating 'Just Transition' into the Global Plastics Treaty. How can it address both environmental and social inequalities?
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2016)
|
|
Terms sometimes seen in the news
|
Their origin
|
|
1.
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Annex-I Countries
|
Cartagena Protocol
|
|
2.
|
Certified Emissions Reductions
|
Nagoya Protocol
|
|
3.
|
Clean Development Mechanism
|
Kyoto Protocol
|
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Q. In India, ‘extend producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? (2019)
(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Ans: (c)
Mains:
Q: What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018)
PM-WANI Scheme
18-06-2025
Source: BL
Why in News?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has prescribed a cap on tariffs charged to Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the PM-WANI scheme, in order to keep public Wi-Fi affordable, while also providing reasonable compensation for the broadband connection to service providers.
- TRAI has mandated that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) cannot charge PDOs more than twice the retail broadband tariff for plans up to 200 Mbps.
What is the PM-WANI Scheme?
- About: The Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI), launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2020, aims to expand the availability of public Wi-Fi hotspots across India, with a focus on strengthening digital communication infrastructure in rural and underserved areas.
- The scheme is designed to provide affordable internet access to the urban poor and rural population while boosting employment for small and micro-entrepreneurs through the establishment of Wi-Fi service outlets, supporting the goals of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018.
- Access Mechanism: Users can access PM-WANI services by downloading the PM Wani application in the mobile phone, selecting a listed hotspot, and making a digital payment to use the internet.
- PM-WANI Ecosystem: The scheme comprises 4 key stakeholders:
- Public Data Office (PDO): Sets up Wi-Fi hotspots and provides internet services to users.
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): Facilitates authentication, accounting, and aggregation of multiple PDOs.
- App Provider: Develops and manages mobile applications that show accessible Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Central Registry: Maintained by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), it holds records of all PDOs, PDOAs, and App Providers.
- Established in 1984, C-DoT is an autonomous telecom R&D centre under the DoT. It functions as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Key Features:
- No licence or registration fee required for Public Data Offices (PDOs), promoting participation by small vendors and entrepreneurs.
- Utilises local infrastructure (e.g., shops, kirana stores, tea stalls) to enable last-mile internet connectivity.
- Key Benefits:
- Enhances digital inclusion and narrows the urban-rural digital divide.
- Facilitates affordable internet access and supports the Digital India mission.
- Stimulates employment generation in the informal sector through entrepreneurship.
- Improved internet access can contribute to GDP growth by enabling digital services in education, health, governance, and commerce.
What are the Government Initiatives for Enhancing Broadband Connectivity?
- National Broadband Mission (NBM): It is a flagship initiative to expand and strengthen digital infrastructure across India.
- National Broadband Mission (NBM 1.0) launched in 2019 focused on expanding broadband access to all villages by 2022 and fiberizing existing telecom towers to enhance connectivity.
- National Broadband Mission 2.0 (2025-30) builds on the achievements of NBM 1.0 and aims to accelerate India’s digital transformation, strengthen digital infrastructure, and enhance global competitiveness.
- Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal: Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal was launched in 2022 to streamline the approval process for laying Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) and installing telecom infrastructure.
- Telecommunications Act, 2023 & Right of Way Rules, 2024: Telecommunications Act, 2023 & Right of Way Rules, 2024 aims to simplify and expedite the deployment of broadband infrastructure across the country.
- Amended BharatNet Program (2023): Amended BharatNet Program aims to provide optical fiber (OF) connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs in ring topology (a network design where connected devices form a circular data channel) and OF connectivity to non-GP villages on demand.
- It focuses on remote and underserved areas, including the North-East, Islands, LWE-affected regions, Aspirational Districts, and border villages.
- Submarine OFC Connectivity: High-speed connectivity has been extended to island territories through the laying of submarine optical fiber cables between Chennai–Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Kochi–Lakshadweep, enhancing digital access in coastal and remote regions.
- As of May 2025, the Submarine OFC project connecting Chennai to Port Blair and other islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is fully operational, with current bandwidth utilization at 243.31 Gbps.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
- About: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is an independent statutory body established in 1997 under Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 to regulate the telecommunications sector in India
- Composition: Comprises a Chairperson, not more than two whole-time Members, and not more than two part-time Members.
- Key Functions:
- Regulate telecom services, including tariff fixation and revision.
- Ensure quality of service, fair competition, and consumer protection.
- Promote transparency and efficiency in telecom operations.
- Advise the Government on policy and licensing matters in telecom and broadcasting (recommendations are advisory, not binding).
- Foster a level playing field and issue regulations to ensure orderly sectoral growth and India's global digital competitiveness.
- Appellate Authority:
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following: (2022)
- Aarogya Setu
- CoWIN
- DigiLocker
- DIKSHA
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (d)
India’s Strategic Turn to Free Trade Agreements
17-12-2025
Source:IE
Why in News?
India is currently accelerating its pursuit of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with a wide range of countries like New Zealand, Russia and Oman, even though past FTAs delivered modest trade gains.
- This shows a shift in focus, with FTAs now used more to secure strategic partnerships and geopolitical interests than to boost trade alone.
Summary
- India’s renewed push for FTAs reflects a move away from pure trade liberalisation towards using FTAs as tools for geopolitical alignment, supply-chain security, and strategic partnerships in a weakening multilateral order.
- Past FTAs delivered modest export gains while widening trade deficits and stressing domestic sectors, highlighting the need for better-balanced, services-focused agreements with strong safeguards.
What are the Reasons Behind India’s Renewed Emphasis on FTAs?
- Strategic Realignment in Global Geopolitics: The global shift from a unipolar to a multipolar order (e.g., US-China rivalry, weakening of the World Trade Organization (WTO)) has made bilateral and regional FTAs a tool of strategic engagement.
- Decline of Multilateralism: The stagnation of WTO negotiations (Doha Round) and protectionist trends globally have reduced the effectiveness of multilateral trade forums.
- FTAs provide a platform to pursue WTO-plus commitments, especially in areas like services, digital trade, and investment.
- The India-EFTA TEPA exemplifies this shift binding commitment of USD 100 billion in FDI over 15 years.
- Diversification of Economic and Trade Partners: FTAs help reduce overdependence on a few markets (e.g., US, EU, China).
- They enable India to access new markets, diversify supply chains, and secure critical resources (e.g., energy, minerals).
- Also, FTAs are no longer just about market access, they are strategic tools to operationalize the "China Plus One" policy and secure upstream supply chains.
- Unlocking Untapped Potential in Services and Investment: India has a comparative advantage in services (IT, healthcare, education), but past FTAs underutilised this potential.
- New FTAs (e.g., UAE-India CEPA) focus more on services, fintech, and investment flows.
- Strengthening Domestic Capabilities and Value Chain: FTAs are aligned with initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and Production Linked Incentive schemes, aiming to integrate Indian manufacturing into global value chains. Strategic FTAs can help attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and technology transfers.
- Correcting Past Imbalances: Learning from asymmetric gains in earlier FTAs (e.g., ASEAN), India now seeks better-balanced, services-focused agreements, ensuring domestic industry interests are protected.
- For example, India’s export share to ASEAN increased only marginally from 10.2% to 10.8%, while it declined from 2.1% to 1.9% with Japan, and from 1.9% to 1.4% with South Korea, based on five-year averages before and after the respective FTAs.
- This trend suggests that previous FTAs have mostly codified existing trade flows rather than generating significant new trade.
Free Trade Agreements
- About: A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is an arrangement between two or more countries or regional blocs to reduce or eliminate trade barriers through mutual negotiations to promote trade.
- Key Coverage under FTAs: Customs duties (tariffs), Rules of Origin, Non-Tariff Measures (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, and trade remedies.
- FTAs can cover trade in goods (such as agricultural or industrial products) or trade in services (such as banking, construction, trading etc).
- FTAs can also cover other areas such as intellectual property rights (IPRs), investment, government procurement and competition policy.
- Types of Trade Agreements:
- Bilateral: Between two countries to expand trade opportunities.
- Plurilateral: Among multiple countries, regionally or otherwise.
- Multilateral: Typically under the WTO framework, setting global trade rules.
- India and FTAs: According to the WTO, India has signed 20 regional or free trade agreements, in addition to the recent India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
- India is currently negotiating FTAs with the US, EU, Canada, and the Southern African Customs Union.
What are the Concerns Accompany India’s Expanding Network of in Free Trade Agreements?
- Trade Deficits and Asymmetric Gains: Many of India’s earlier FTAs have not led to a strong export boost. Imports from partner countries often rose faster than exports, widening trade deficits.
- Example: Between FY 2009 and FY 2023, imports from ASEAN to India grew by 234.4% while exports from India rose only by 130.4% despite FTA.
- Indian exporters often fail to gain reciprocal market access.
- Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): Developed economies impose stringent standards (e.g., IPR, sanitary measures) that dilute tariff benefits. India–EU FTA has stalled over data localisation and IPR issues.
- Furthermore, India's FTA utilization rate remains low at just 25%, compared to 70–80% in developed countries.
- FTAs with the EU and the UK involve stringent environmental and labour compliance requirements, which India is cautious about adopting and risk India’s exclusion from emerging “green” trade regimes.
- Harm to Domestic Sectors: MSMEs, farmers, and labour-intensive sectors struggle to compete with cheaper imports. Tariff cuts can hurt sectors that are not yet globally competitive.
- FTAs often commit to zero-duty imports on finished goods while domestic tariffs on raw materials remain high (to protect upstream industries), creating a structural disadvantage for Indian manufacturers.
- This "Inverted Duty Structure" incentivizes trading (importing finished goods) over manufacturing, directly contradicting the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Make in India) vision.
- Example: Indian rubber farmers hurt by cheaper imports under the ASEAN FTA.
- Opening markets in dairy, plantation crops, or cereals raises concerns over farmer livelihoods.
- Risk of Import Surges via Third Countries: Goods from non-FTA countries may enter India through partner nations by exploiting rules of origin. This weakens domestic manufacturing and undermines the spirit of FTAs.
What Should be India’s Policy Approach to Enhance the Effectiveness of Its FTA Strategy?
- Strengthen Domestic Competitiveness: Invest in R&D, infrastructure, skill development, and MSME support to prepare industries for global competition.
- Focus on WTO-Plus Areas: Prioritise sectors like digital trade, green energy, and services, especially in future FTAs with developed economies.
- Incorporate Balanced Safeguards: Ensure strong Rules of Origin, safeguard duties, and anti-dumping provisions to prevent misuse by third countries.
- Institutional Reforms and Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Enhance cooperation between the MEA, Commerce Ministry, and NITI Aayog to align strategic and economic interests.
- Improve Dispute Resolution Frameworks: Include binding timelines and independent panels in FTAs for swift resolution of trade disputes.
- Monitor and Review Existing FTAs: Establish mechanisms for periodic impact assessment, public consultation, and course correction.
- Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Trade: Integrate labour and environmental safeguards without undermining domestic flexibility.
Conclusion
India’s renewed emphasis on FTAs is less about expanding trade volumes and more about navigating a fragmented global order. As multilateralism weakens and geopolitics dominates economics, FTAs have evolved into tools of strategic alignment, diplomatic insurance, and supply-chain security. In this emerging order, strategic logic—rather than pure economic efficiency—will increasingly drive India’s trade policy.
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Drishti Mains Question:
India’s recent surge in Free Trade Agreements reflects a strategic shift from market access to geopolitical alignment. Discuss.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Why is India signing more FTAs despite limited gains from earlier ones?
India now views FTAs as tools for strategic alignment, supply-chain resilience, and geopolitical partnerships in a multipolar world.
2. What major problem has India faced under past FTAs like ASEAN?
Imports grew faster than exports, widening trade deficits, with ASEAN imports rising from USD 8 bn (FY13) to USD 44 bn (FY23).
3. How do FTAs affect India’s domestic sectors?
MSMEs and farmers face pressure from cheaper imports, especially in sectors like rubber, dairy, and plantation crops.
4. What are WTO-plus issues in new FTAs?
They include services, digital trade, investment, IPR, labour, and environmental standards beyond WTO commitments.
5. What safeguards can improve India’s FTA outcomes?
Strong Rules of Origin, safeguard duties, periodic reviews, and better dispute-resolution mechanisms.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following countries: (2018)
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- India
- Japan
- USA
Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (2018)
ADB Development Financing to Support India
17-12-2025
Source: PIB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed 5 loan agreements with India to finance development projects focusing on skilling, renewable energy, healthcare, urban transport, and sustainable livelihoods.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- About: ADB, founded in 1966, is a regional development bank with a mission to foster a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while also striving to eradicate extreme poverty in the region.
- The ADB also has an official observer status at the United Nations.
- Functions: ADB aids its member countries and partners by offering loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.
- Also, ADB provides direct financial assistance to approved private sector projects, financial institutions, and private equity funds.
- Membership: ADB, headquartered in Manila, Philippines, consists of 69 members, of which 50 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.
- As of December 2024, ADB’s 5 largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (each with 15.6% of total shares), the People’s Republic of China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
- ADB and India: India is a founding member of ADB and is its 4th-largest shareholder. The bank's support aligns with India’s goals of robust, climate-resilient, and inclusive growth.
Hepatitis A
17-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
Experts argue that Hepatitis A, now emerging as a major cause of acute liver failure, should be prioritised for inclusion in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) to strengthen national protection against the disease.
What is Hepatitis A?
- About: Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver, triggered by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Unlike Hepatitis B and C, it does not cause chronic liver disease, though illness can range from mild to severe.
- Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, dark urine, and jaundice.
- Transmission: Hepatitis A spreads through the faecal–oral route, mainly via contaminated food or water or dirty hands.
- Protective antibodies in India have dropped from over 90% two decades ago to below 60% in many urban regions, creating a growing pool of susceptible young people.
- Global Burden: Hepatitis A occurs worldwide and the virus can persist in the environment. In 2016, WHO estimated 7,134 deaths, contributing 0.5% of global viral hepatitis mortality.
- Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for Hepatitis A. Care focuses on symptom relief, hydration, nutrition, and rest.
- Vaccine: Both live-attenuated and inactivated Hepatitis A vaccines provide 90–95% protection, with immunity lasting 15–20 years or lifelong. India’s Biological E’s Biovac-A, a live-attenuated vaccine, has been used for over two decades with excellent safety and efficacy.
What is Hepatitis?
- About: Hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or alcohol/drug toxicity.
- It can be acute, with symptoms like jaundice, fever, and vomiting, or chronic, lasting over six months and potentially progressing to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
- Causes: Hepatitis can result from hepatotropic viruses (A, B, C, D, E), other viruses like Varicella and SARS-CoV-2, as well as non-viral factors such as alcohol, drugs, autoimmune disorders, and fatty liver disease.
- Hepatitis B vaccines are highly effective in preventing Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, while no effective vaccine is available for Hepatitis C.

- Types of Hepatitis: There are 5 main hepatitis viruses—A, B, C, D, and E—each capable of causing liver disease but differing in transmission, severity, geographic spread, and prevention.
- Occurrence: Types B and C cause long-term infections and are the major causes of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis deaths, leading to about 1.3 million deaths each year and affecting 304 million people worldwide.
- Similarly, Hepatitis A is no longer a benign childhood infection; it is an emerging public health concern.
- Without urgent and sustained action, viral hepatitis is projected to cause an additional 9.5 million new infections, 2.1 million liver cancer cases, and 2.8 million deaths by 2030.
- Flagship Initiatives:
- WHO’s Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (2022–2030): The strategy aims to cut new hepatitis infections to 520,000 cases a year and hepatitis-related deaths to 450,000 by 2030, achieving a 90% drop in incidence and 65% drop in mortality from 2015 levels.
- National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (2018): Aims to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030 and significantly reduce the infected population, morbidity, and mortality from Hepatitis A, B, C, and E across India.
Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)
- About: Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is one of India’s most comprehensive public health initiatives, aiming to provide life-saving vaccines to millions of newborns and pregnant women every year.
- Diseases Covered: It offers free immunisation against 12 major diseases.
- At the national level, it includes vaccines for Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Hib-related Meningitis/Pneumonia.
- At the sub-national level, it provides protection against Rotavirus, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and Japanese Encephalitis.
- Evolution of the UIP: It was initially launched in 1978 as the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and was renamed the Universal Immunisation Programme in 1985 when its coverage expanded from urban areas to rural regions, addressing disparities in healthcare access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the mode of transmission of Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is transmitted through the faecal–oral route, primarily via contaminated food, water, or unclean hands.
2. What is the main goal of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (2018)?
The programme aims to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030 and reduce morbidity and mortality from Hepatitis A, B, C, and E.
3. Which diseases are covered nationally and sub-nationally under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)?
Nationally: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, TB, Hepatitis B, Hib diseases.
Sub-nationally: Rotavirus, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Japanese Encephalitis
UPSC Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Which one of the following statements is not correct? (2019)
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses arc several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Ans: (b)
Q. 'Mission Indradhanush' launched by the Government of India pertains to: (2016)
(a) Immunization of children and pregnant women
(b) Construction of smart cities across the country
(c) India's own search for Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) New Educational Policy
Ans: (a)
India’s Carbon Emission Growth Slows in 2025
17-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
India’s carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels are projected to rise by only 1.4% in 2025, a sharp slowdown from the 4% increase recorded in 2024, according to the Global Carbon Project (GCP) 2025 study.
- GCP, is an international collaborative program established in 2001 to study and integrate knowledge of the global carbon cycle and human activities affecting it.
What are the Key Findings of the Global Carbon Project 2025 Study?
- India’s Emissions Trends: Emissions are expected to increase from 3.19 billion tonnes in 2024 to 3.22 billion tonnes in 2025.
- India’s per-capita emissions stand at 2.2 tonnes/year, the second lowest among the 20 largest economies. Coal remains the primary source of India’s CO₂ emissions.
- India is the third largest emitter of carbon at 3.2 billion tonnes annually (2024), led by the US (4.9 billion tonnes) and China (12 billion tonnes).
- India’s annual emission growth averaged 6.4% between 2005–2014, but has dropped to 3.6% during 2015–2024, reflecting improvements in carbon intensity and expanding renewable capacity.
- Global Emission Trends: Global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels are expected to rise 1.1%, reaching a record 38.1 billion tonnes this year.
- Global fossil CO₂ emissions in 2025 are rising across all major fuels, with coal up 0.8%, oil up 1%, and natural gas up 1.3%.
- Despite years of climate action, global emissions have not begun to decline.
- CO₂ emissions from land-use change (deforestation, degradation) are expected to fall slightly. However total global CO₂ emissions (fossil fuels + land use) are flat at around 42 billion tonnes, similar to 2024.
- Carbon Budget and Climate Risks: The study warns that the carbon budget (the maximum CO₂ we can emit while still keeping warming below 1.5°C) is almost exhausted, with only 170 billion tonnes of CO₂ remaining (about four years of emissions at 2025 levels).
- Scientists say staying below 1.5°C is no longer realistic at the current pace of emissions, and climate change is already weakening land and ocean carbon sinks, reducing their ability to absorb CO₂.
India’s Emissions Profile
- India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4), submitted to the UNFCCC in 2024, recorded a 7.93% fall in total GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019.
- Excluding Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF), India’s emissions were 2,959 million tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent, a way to measure the impact of GHG).
- Including LULUCF, net emissions were 2,437 million tonnes of CO₂e.
- The energy sector contributed 75.66% of total emissions, while land-related activities sequestered about 522 million tonnes of CO₂, offsetting 22% of national emissions.
What are the Factors Contributing to India’s Slowdown in Carbon Dioxide Emissions?
- Role of Weather Conditions: A strong and early monsoon in 2025 reduced the need for cooling and lowered irrigation demand, easing pressure on power generation and slowing the rise in fossil-fuel emissions.
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Rapid growth in solar and wind power added clean electricity to the grid, reducing reliance on coal and helping keep CO₂ emissions in check.
- As per International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) RE Statistics 2025, India ranks 4th globally in total renewable capacity, 4th in wind power, and 3rd in solar power, reflecting the scale and speed of its energy transition.
- Renewables now account for 50.07% of India’s total installed power capacity (484.82 GW), achieving the COP26 non-fossil target five years ahead of schedule.
- Non-fossil capacity has risen to 242.8 GW, moving India steadily toward the 500-GW target for 2030.
- Coal Consumption Trends: Coal use grew only marginally in 2025, and India’s power-sector CO₂ emissions fell by 1% year-on-year in the first half of 2025 due to strong clean-energy additions and lower overall power demand.
- Lower cooling needs and higher renewable generation helped India avoid the usual spike in coal consumption that typically pushes emissions upward.
- Economic and Structural Factors: Improvements in energy efficiency and cleaner technologies have reduced the carbon intensity of the economy, while a larger economic base naturally slows percentage growth in emissions.
What are India’s Long-Term Low Emission Strategies (LT-LEDS)?
India has devised LT-LEDS to chart a sustainable path forward in addressing “CLIMATE” change. India’s LT-LEDS involves seven key strategic transitions, namely:
- C – Clean Electricity: Low-carbon development of electricity systems aligned with national development needs.
- L – Low-Carbon Transport: Building an integrated, efficient and inclusive low-carbon transport system.
- I – Inclusive Urban Adaptation: Promoting climate-resilient urban design, energy-efficient buildings and sustainable urbanisation.
- M – Manufacturing & Industry Decarbonisation: Decoupling economic growth from emissions through efficient, innovative, low-emission industrial systems.
- A – Atmospheric CO₂ Removal: Scaling CO₂ removal and engineering solutions to tackle hard-to-abate sectors.
- T – Tree & Vegetation Enhancement: Expanding forest and vegetation cover with ecological and socio-economic considerations.
- E – Economic Path to Net-Zero: Strengthening economic and financial frameworks for low-carbon development and the transition to Net-Zero by 2070.

Conclusion
India’s emissions slowdown is encouraging, but rising global emissions and a nearly depleted 1.5°C carbon budget add urgency to COP30 in Belem. Keeping up India’s clean-energy momentum and securing stronger global action will be crucial to limiting future climate risks.
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Drishti Mains Question
Q. Discuss how India’s rapid renewable energy expansion is reshaping its emission trajectory and helping meet long-term climate commitments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does the Global Carbon Project report say about India’s emissions in 2025?
India’s fossil-fuel CO₂ emissions are expected to rise only 1.4%, reaching about 3.22 billion tonnes.
2. Why are India’s emissions slowing despite economic growth?
Strong renewable expansion, better energy efficiency, cleaner technologies, and lower cooling demand due to a strong monsoon.
3. How significant is India’s renewable energy capacity?
As of 2025, Renewables form 50.07% of total installed capacity; non-fossil capacity has reached 242.8 GW.
4. Which sector continues to dominate India’s CO₂ emissions?
Coal remains the largest contributor, though power-sector emissions fell by 1% in early 2025 due to high renewable output.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following: (2019)
- Carbon monoxide
- Methane
- Ozone
- Sulphur dioxide
Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (d)
Q. The ‘Common Carbon Metric’, supported by UNEP, has been developed for
(a) assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world
(b) enabling commercial fanning entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading
(c) enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries
(d) assessing the overall carbon foot-print caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time
Ans: (a)
Q. “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by (2018)
(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(b) The UNEP Secretariat
(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
(d) The World Meteorological Organisation
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (2023)
WHO Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report 2025
17-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report 2025 shows a sharp 21% fall in India’s TB incidence, dropping from 237 per lakh in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024 nearly twice the pace of the global decline and marking a major milestone in India’s fight against the disease.
What are the Key Findings of the WHO Global TB Report 2025?
- Global: In 2024, 10.7 million people fell ill with TB and 1.23 million died. The incidence rate was 131 per 100,000 and the case fatality rate was 11.5%.
- TB is among the top 10 causes of death globally and the leading killer from a single infectious agent.
- High-burden Countries: 30 high-burden countries account for 87% of global TB. The top contributors are India (25%), Indonesia (10%), Philippines (6.8%), China (6.5%), Pakistan (6.3%), Nigeria (4.8%), DR Congo (3.9%), Bangladesh (3.6%).
- Key Drivers of TB Incidence: Undernutrition, low income, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), diabetes, smoking, and alcohol-use disorders.
- India’s Achievement in Sharp Decline: India accounts for 25% of global TB cases but has shown one of the fastest declines among high-burden countries. Treatment coverage improved from 53% (2015) to 92% (2024).
- India’s TB mortality rate fell from 28 per lakh in 2015 to 21 per lakh in 2024. However, despite this progress, India still accounted for about 28% of all TB deaths worldwide in 2024.
- Treatment success rate under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is at 90% (2024), above the global average of 88%.
- India reports one lakh cases remained “missing,” meaning undiagnosed cases that continue to spread the infection. India still contributes 8.8% of the global detection gap, second only to Indonesia (10%).

What are the Factors Contributing to the Decline in India’s TB Incidence?
- Early Detection at Scale: Early diagnosis has improved sharply with the rapid expansion of molecular testing facilities.
- India now has the world’s largest TB lab network, and 92% of patients receive upfront Rifampicin drug-resistance testing. This level of early detection helps cut transmission at the source.
- India diagnosed its highest-ever 26.18 lakh TB cases in 2024, closing much of the gap between estimated and detected cases.
- Use of New Technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI) -enabled handheld X-ray devices, portable diagnostic tools, and expanded NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing) coverage have made it easier to find TB quickly, even in remote and high-burden areas.
- These technologies allow faster screening and reduce delays in starting treatment.
- New and Shorter Treatment Regimens: Introduction of the BPaLM (bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, moxifloxacin) regimen reduced DR-TB treatment duration from 18–24 months to just 6 months.
- All-oral MDR-TB therapies improved safety, reduced dropouts and increased successful treatment outcomes.
- Large-Scale Community Screening: Community screening under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has reached unprecedented levels.
- More than 19 crore vulnerable people were screened, leading to the detection of 24.5 lakh patients, including 8.61 lakh asymptomatic cases. Identifying silent carriers is a major reason for reduced transmission.
- Care has moved closer to communities through 1.78 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Ni-kshay Mitras,
- This decentralisation helps people access testing and treatment quickly, preventing long delays that allow TB to spread.
- Improved Nutrition and Social Support: Under the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), financial support for TB patients' nutrition has been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month, providing Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 per patient throughout treatment.
What is India’s TB Elimination Target?
- In 2020, India renamed the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) as the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) to align with its goal of eliminating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030.
- Elimination of TB as a public health problem is defined as less than one notified TB case (all forms) per million population and year.
- The NTEP follows the National Strategic Plan (2017-2025), focusing on four key actions: Detect – Treat – Prevent – Build (DTPB) to control and eliminate TB in India.
- While the WHO’s End TB Strategy seeks an 80% reduction in incidence and a 90% reduction in deaths by 2030 (compared to 2015 levels).
- India has achieved only a 21% decline in new cases and a 28% decline in deaths between 2015 and 2024.
Why is India Struggling to Meet its 2025 TB Elimination Target?
- High TB Burden and Rapid Transmission: India carries the world’s highest TB burden, making elimination difficult.
- Overcrowded slums, poor ventilation and dense living conditions allow the infection to spread quickly, keeping transmission levels high despite improvements in detection.
- Drug-Resistant TB (MDR/XDR): Many patients do not complete the full course of treatment, and antibiotics are often misused. This leads to multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB, which are much harder and more expensive to treat.
- Delayed or Missed Diagnosis: A large section of the population, especially in rural, tribal, and hard-to-reach areas, does not have access to rapid TB tests.
- Delayed diagnosis means the disease continues to spread silently in the community.
- Co-existing Diseases and Risk Factors: High prevalence of diabetes, HIV, undernutrition and smoking weakens immunity and increases the risk of infection.
- Rising air pollution further harms lung health. In 2024 alone, around 3.2 lakh TB cases were linked to diabetes.
- Challenges in the Private Sector: Nearly half of TB patients first visit private doctors. However, many private clinics use outdated tests, inconsistent drug regimens, and do not report cases to the government. This leads to missed cases and poor quality of treatment.
- Undernutrition and Poor Living Conditions: Malnutrition remains one of the biggest risk factors for TB in India.
- Poor-quality diets and food insecurity weaken immunity, making people more vulnerable to infection and slower to recover.
- Health System Gaps: Some areas face shortages of trained health workers, irregular drug supply, and weak follow-up mechanisms.
- These gaps reduce treatment adherence and increase the risk of drug resistance.
- TB in children often shows subtle symptoms and requires specialised tests. As a result, many cases remain undetected or are diagnosed late.
What Measures can Strengthen TB Elimination Efforts in India?
- Expand Early and Accurate Diagnosis: Scale up rapid molecular tests such as CBNAAT and TrueNat at district and sub-district levels to ensure uniform access.
- Early detection cuts transmission chains, identifies drug resistance sooner and reduces the number of “missing” cases.
- Tackle Drug-Resistant TB With Stronger Interventions: Scale up shorter, patient-friendly regimens like BPaL, which reduce MDR treatment duration from 18–24 months to 6 months.
- Faster and more tolerable treatments improve outcomes and control the spread of difficult-to-treat TB strains.
- Address Major Risk Factors and Co-Morbidities: Integrate TB screening with diabetes, HIV, malnutrition, alcohol-cessation and tobacco-control programmes. Improve air-quality management, especially in high-burden cities.
- Strengthen Preventive Therapy (TPT): Improve awareness about preventive treatment targeting children, HIV-positive individuals and high-risk groups.
- Preventive therapy stops latent infections from progressing into active TB, crucial for long-term incidence reduction.
- Restore and Strengthen Post-Covid Health Infrastructure: Covid-19 diverted manpower, labs and resources, slowing progress in several states. Rebuild TB laboratory systems and restore manpower that was diverted during the pandemic.
- Strengthened Public-Private Collaboration: Encouraging public–private collaboration can strengthen R&D for new vaccines, point-of-care diagnostics and shorter drug regimens.
- This can lead to adoption of standardised treatment guidelines across private providers and help reduce misdiagnosis and incomplete treatment.
Conclusion
India has made strong progress in reducing TB incidence and improving treatment outcomes, but elimination by 2025 remains out of reach. Sustained innovation, stronger health systems and targeted community support are essential to accelerate India’s path toward TB elimination.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Discuss how decentralised TB services and new diagnostic technologies have transformed India’s TB response.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What decline in TB incidence has India achieved according to the WHO Global TB Report 2025?
India recorded a 21% decline in TB incidence between 2015 and 2024, dropping from 237 to 187 per lakh population.
2. What is India’s treatment coverage under NTEP in 2024?
Treatment coverage reached 92% in 2024, up from 53% in 2015.
3. What percentage of global TB cases does India account for?
India accounts for 25% of global TB cases, the highest among all countries.
4. What is BPaLM regimen (bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, moxifloxacin)?
The BPaLM regimen is a new, shorter, all-oral treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), it cuts treatment duration from 18–24 months to just 6 months.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q. Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (2021)
India-Australia Clean Energy Partnership
17-10-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
Australia is engaging with India at a crucial time as both nations aim to achieve ambitious renewable energy goals while reducing reliance on China for critical materials amid global supply chain vulnerabilities.
What is the Need to Scale Up Australia-India Clean Energy Partnership?
- Climate Change in the Indo-Pacific Region: The Indo-Pacific faces grave climate risks, averaging 10 climate disasters per month (1970–2022), with up to 89 million displaced and 80% of the population affected by 2050.
- Overdependence on China: China dominates critical materials, refining over 90% of rare earth elements and producing 80% of global solar modules.
- India relies on imports of rare earth magnets and battery materials for EVs and wind power, while Australia produces lithium, cobalt, and rare earths but lacks refining and downstream manufacturing capacity.
- Renewable Energy Partnership (REP): Launched in 2024, REP outlines cooperation across eight areas—solar PV technology, green hydrogen, energy storage, solar supply chains, circular economy in renewables, two-way investment, capacity building, and other shared priorities.
- It also introduces a Track 1.5 Dialogue to connect policymakers, industry, and research institutions for practical collaboration.
- Clean Energy Supply Chain: Australia provides critical minerals and regulatory stability for co-investment in refining and processing, while India offers scale, a skilled workforce, and market demand for solar, storage, and hydrogen backed by Skill India and Production Linked Initiative (PLI) schemes.
- Together, they can create a resilient, regionally anchored clean energy ecosystem.
- Shared Climate Ambitions: India targets 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030, including 280 GW from solar, while Australia aims for a 62–70% emission reduction by 2035, aligned with its net-zero goals.
What are India's Strategic Global Partnerships for Clean Energy Transition?
- India–EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP): Established in 2016, this partnership supports joint projects in offshore wind, solar parks, smart grids, energy storage, biofuels, green hydrogen, and efficiency in buildings.
- US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP): Focuses on advancing clean energy supply chain, research and development, deployment of solar, wind, batteries, energy grid systems, and clean-tech manufacturing.
- Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI) with Denmark: Denmark launched GFAI to strengthen cooperation on sustainable energy solutions and advance the shared goal of carbon neutrality, focusing on green fuels like green hydrogen.
- Global Biofuels Alliance: It was launched in 2023 at the G20 Summit in New Delhi by India and leaders from the USA, Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Singapore, Bangladesh, Mauritius, and the UAE to promote sustainable biofuels.
Renewable Energy in India
- Renewable Energy Capacity: As of March 2025, the total renewable energy (RE) capacity has reached 220.10 GW, up from 198.75 GW the previous year.
- Sectoral Breakdown:
- Solar Energy: The total installed solar capacity now stands at 105.65 GW, with 23.83 GW added in FY 2024–25, making solar the largest contributor to the year’s capacity expansion.
- Wind Energy: The total cumulative installed wind capacity now stands at 50.04 GW, with 4.15 GW of new capacity added in 2024–25.
- Bioenergy: Bioenergy installations reached a total capacity of 11.58 GW, including 0.53 GW from off-grid and waste-to-energy projects.
- Small Hydro Power: Small Hydro Power projects have reached a capacity of 5.10 GW, with an additional 0.44 GW under implementation.
- India’s Panchamitra Plan:

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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership in addressing climate change and supply chain vulnerabilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP)?
REP is a bilateral initiative launched in 2024 focusing on solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, and capacity building to strengthen clean energy collaboration.
2. What is the status of renewable energy capacity in India?
Total capacity reached 220.10 GW, with solar at 105.65 GW, wind at 50.04 GW, bioenergy at 11.58 GW, and small hydro at 5.10 GW.
3. Why is overdependence on China a challenge for India and Australia?
China refines over 90% of rare earth elements and produces 80% of global solar modules, creating risks in EV, wind, and solar sectors for both countries.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Which one of the following is the purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government? (2016)
(a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy
(b) Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018
(c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time
(d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)
Q. Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy. (2013)
Green Crackers
17-10-2025
Source:TH
The Supreme Court of India has relaxed the year-long blanket ban on fireworks in Delhi-NCR, allowing the sale and use of green crackers approved by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) during Deepavali 2025.
- The court called it a “test case” to balance festivals with pollution control, noting blanket bans led to smuggling and use of harmful fireworks.
- Green Crackers: Designed to reduce air pollution by modifying traditional formulations. They achieve this through smaller shell sizes, elimination of ash, reduced raw material use, and addition of dust suppressants.
- They ensure at least 30% reduction in particulate matter (PM) or 20% PM reduction plus 10% reduction in gaseous emissions (SO₂ and NO₂) compared to conventional crackers.
- Green crackers can be of two types:
- Improved Fireworks: Modified existing crackers with cleaner compositions.
- New Formulation Fireworks: Developed with new materials and compositions to further cut emissions.
- In Arjun Gopal vs Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court banned non-certified firecrackers with barium salts and allowed only PESO-approved green crackers meeting reduced-emission standards.
Moran Community
17-09-2025
Source: IE
The Moran community in Assam’s Tinsukia district—an area rich in oil, coal, and tea—has launched an economic blockade, stopping the movement of goods to and from the region to press their demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
- About: The Moran community is an aboriginal tribe of Assam that once had an independent kingdom before the Ahom rule.
- Religious Affiliation: In the 17th century, Aniruddhadeva converted them to Vaishnavism, sparking cultural and social regeneration.
- They belong to the Moamoria sect of Vaishnavism and have a small population in Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai district.
- Demand for ST Status: The Morans are one of the six communities—along with Tea Tribes/Adivasis, Motok, Tai Ahom, Chutia, and Koch-Rajbongshi—that are agitating for ST status.
- Recent Development: In March 2025, the Assam government announced its decision to issue Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) to members of the Moran community residing in Arunachal Pradesh.
Supreme Court’s Interim Order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
17-09-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has stayed certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, amid concerns that it violates Article 26, undermines community autonomy through excessive administrative powers and non-Muslim representation on Waqf Boards, and may impact existing Waqf properties and philanthropy.
What is Waqf Act, 1995?
- The Waqf Act, 1995, is a central act in India that provides for the better administration, management, and protection of Waqf properties, endowments of property made for religious or charitable purposes under Muslim law.
- It establishes Waqf Boards at both the state and national levels to oversee these properties, ensuring they are used for their intended purposes and managed transparently and legally.
- The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 (UMEED (Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development) Act), amended the Waqf Act, 1995.
- Key Provisions of Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025:
- Trusts Excluded: Muslim-created trusts are legally separate from Waqfs if governed by other charity laws.
- Protection of Inheritance Rights: Women and children must receive their rightful inheritance before property becomes Waqf.
- Protection of Tribal Lands: It prohibits the establishment of Waqf on lands belonging to tribal communities under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution.
- Appeal Mechanism: High Court can hear appeals against Waqf Tribunal decisions.
- Financial Reforms: Mandatory contribution to Waqf boards reduced from 7% to 5%.
- Income Audit: Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh annually are subject to government-mandated audits.
Waqf Board
- A Waqf Board is a legal entity that can acquire, hold, transfer property, and sue or be sued.
- It manages Waqf properties (assets dedicated for religious or charitable purposes), recovers lost assets, and approves transfers (sale, gift, mortgage, exchange, lease) with at least two-thirds board approval.
- The Central Waqf Council (CWC), a statutory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, oversees and advises State Waqf Boards.
What are the Key Contentious Provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 and the Supreme Court’s Stance on it?
- Provisions Upheld by Supreme Court:
- Applicability of the Limitation Act: The Waqf Act, 1995 specifically excluded the application of the Limitation Act 1963, which allowed Waqfs to act against encroachments on their properties without any time limit.
- The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 removes this exemption, requiring legal claims to be filed within a specified period.
- The Court upheld this provision, noting it corrects earlier discrimination.
- Abolition of “Waqf by Use”: Earlier, land used for Muslim religious/charitable purposes for long could be deemed Waqf even without registration. The 2025 Amendment Act removed the “Waqf by Use” concept, citing misuse.
- SC upheld this noting misuse for encroaching government lands and finding no prima facie reason to stay it.
- Provisions Stayed by the Supreme Court:
- Five-Year Rule for Practising Muslims: The Amended Act mandated that a waqf can only be created by a person who has practised Islam for at least 5 years.
- SC has stayed this provision, since there is no mechanism to verify religious practice until the government frames clear rules.
- Powers of District Collectors (Section 3C): The Amended Act stipulates that District Collectors can declare a waqf property as government property during their inquiry (property will not be treated as a waqf property during the period of the inquiry).
- SC has stayed this provision, calling it arbitrary and a violation of separation of powers, as property disputes must be decided by tribunals or courts.
- As per Supreme Court, during the inquiry, Waqf properties will retain their status, cannot be dispossessed, and no third-party rights shall be created until a final decision is rendered by a Waqf Tribunal.
- Non-Muslim Representation in Waqf Boards: The Act allowed large numbers of non-Muslims, even a majority, in Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council.
- SC capped non-Muslim representation:
- Central Waqf Council (22 members) shall not have more than 4 non-Muslims.
- State Waqf Boards (11 members) shall not have more than 3 non-Muslims.
Key Judicial Pronouncements Regarding Religious Freedom in India
- Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala, 1987: SC held that students cannot be compelled to sing the National Anthem if it violates their religious beliefs.
- It established that individuals have the right to refuse to participate in activities that go against their religious beliefs, as long as they do not disrupt public order.
- Shayara Bano v. Union of India, 2017: SC struck down instant triple talaq (Talaq-e-Biddat) citing it as unconstitutional, violating Article 14 (Right to Equality) and gender justice principles, holding it is not an essential religious practice under Article 25.
- Dr. Mahesh Vijay Bedekar v. Maharashtra, 2016: SC held that using loudspeakers is not an essential religious practice and cannot be claimed as a fundamental right under Article 25 (freedom of religion) or Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression).
Conclusion
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 aspires to bring reforms, yet it also raises genuine concerns over autonomy and rights. The Supreme Court’s interim order seeks to carefully balance the reform process with constitutional safeguards. The way forward should focus on fostering transparency and accountability, while preserving the spirit of religious freedom and trust among communities
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. How does the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 aim to modernise Waqf administration, and what challenges does it face?
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q. How is the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (2018)
Quality Control Orders
17-09-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The rapid increase in Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) over the past three years has drawn criticism from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which view these mandatory QCOs regulations as costly and restrictive to their operations.
What are Quality Control Orders (QCOs)?
- About: BIS certification is voluntary by default but becomes mandatory for certain products when required in the public interest, such as for health, environment, national security, or to prevent unfair trade practices.
- For these products, mandatory compliance with Indian Standards is enforced through Quality Control Orders (QCOs), which direct the use of the BIS Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence.
- Objective: Aligned with Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement of World Trade Organization (WTO), QCOs aim to ensure product safety, curb substandard goods, attract investment, and protect consumers, while helping manufacturers detect defects early and improve quality.
- Legal Provisions: Based on BIS Act, 2016, QCOs are issued by the relevant Line Ministries or Regulators of the Central Government for specific products or categories after consultation with BIS.
- Products under QCOs are governed by BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
- Violating a QCO is punishable under BIS Act, 2016 with imprisonment, fine, or both.
- QCOs cannot be challenged at the WTO if they are imposed on the grounds of health, safety, environment and deceptive trade practices, or national security.
- Prohibition Orders: After a QCO comes into effect, no one can manufacture, import, sell, or handle the covered products without a BIS Standard Mark under a valid Licence.
- Applicability to Imported Goods: Domestic rules apply equally to imports. Foreign manufacturers must obtain Licence/Certificate of Conformity (CoC) under Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
What are the Challenges Related to Quality Control Orders (QCOs)?
- High Compliance Costs: QCOs make BIS certification compulsory, with penalties for non-compliance. Producers of intermediate goods generally support them, but downstream industries worry that the added certification costs will push up production expenses and eventually increase consumer prices, leading to disputes.
- Smaller enterprises often struggle to comply compared to larger companies, affecting competitiveness.
- Non-Tariff Barrier Effect: QCOs can restrict imports of certain goods, limiting access to cheaper raw materials.
- QCOs can complicate India’s trade negotiations, as mandatory compliance requirements may be perceived as non-tariff barriers by partner countries, potentially affecting agreements with the US, EU, and other trade partners.
- Limited Coverage and Industry Pushback: Of over 23,000 BIS standards, only 187 have QCOs, mostly in steel and electronics, showing narrow reach and challenges in wider enforcement.
- Implementation Challenges: Delays or difficulties in obtaining BIS certification can disrupt production and sales.
Steps Taken by BIS to Address Current Challenges Regarding QCOs
- Digitisation of Certification: BIS has digitised the certification process and provides time-bound certification within 30 days to domestic industries, including MSMEs, covering over 750 products.
- Open Interaction Platforms:
- Jan Sunwai: A portal where anyone can log queries.
- Manak Manthan: Field-level engagement to provide handholding support to MSMEs.
What Measures are Needed to Ensure Effective Implementation of QCOs?
- Recognition of Cluster-Based Testing Facilities: Promoting industry clusters with shared testing infrastructure helps small enterprises access quality certification at lower cost without duplicating resources.
- Technical Assistance and Training: Providing hands-on training programs on Indian Standards, product testing, and documentation ensures smoother certification compliance.
- Market Linkages and Export Support: Linking certified MSME products with government procurement schemes, e-commerce platforms, and export promotion programs incentivizes compliance and enhances market reach.
- Leveraging Certification Bodies and Trade Agreements: Utilizing accredited certification bodies for low- and medium-risk products to reduce BIS workload and improve processing times.
- Pursuing mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) in trade negotiations can streamline compliance for exports and foster international market access.
- Feedback Mechanism for Continuous Improvement: Creating a real-time grievance redressal and suggestion system allows MSMEs to report bottlenecks and helps regulators refine QCO procedures dynamically.
Conclusion
Effective QCO implementation requires a synergy of regulatory clarity, digital facilitation, financial relief, and active engagement with MSMEs. These measures not only reduce compliance burdens but also strengthen the domestic quality ecosystem, boost consumer trust, and support the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Examine the significance of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) in strengthening India’s domestic quality ecosystem and protecting consumer interests.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)
- The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.
- AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: A
India-AI Impact Summit 2026
17-02-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), marking the first major global Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit hosted in the Global South and showcasing India’s leadership in inclusive, development-focused AI.
- The Summit is hosted under the India AI Mission, shifting the global narrative from "AI Safety" to "AI for Development and Impact."
Summary
- The India AI Impact Summit 2026 positions India as a Global South leader by shifting the focus from AI safety to AI for development, guided by the principles of People, Planet, and Progress and promoting inclusive, responsible AI governance.
- Through the IndiaAI Mission, digital public infrastructure, and global partnerships, the summit advances AI-driven solutions for healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, governance, and economic growth while strengthening digital sovereignty and workforce readiness.
What are the Key Highlights of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026?
- Theme and Philosophy: The summit is anchored in Indian ethos, specifically the motto "Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya" (Welfare for all, happiness for all). It is structured around two conceptual frameworks:
- The Three Sutras (Pillars): People, Planet, and Progress.
- People: Developing AI that empowers citizens through healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.
- Planet: Using AI for sustainable practices, climate resilience, and resource efficiency.
- Progress: Harnessing AI for economic growth, governance, and public service delivery.
- The Seven Chakras (Working Groups): Focused themes including Health, Agriculture, Safe & Trusted AI, Science, Inclusion, Democratizing AI Resources, and Economic Development.

- Key Institutional Frameworks: The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is anchored by key institutional frameworks including MeitY, the IndiaAI Mission, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and the Digital India initiative.
- Together these provide policy direction, ecosystem support, innovation infrastructure, and digital foundations to ensure AI adoption aligns with national priorities, inclusive governance, and scalable implementation.
- Expected Outcomes: At least 15 tangible deliverables focused on AI governance, innovation, and inclusive growth.
- India’s entry into the US-led Pax Silica initiative to build a resilient global electronics and semiconductor supply chain.
- Global cooperation on AI governance and ethics, possibly through multistakeholder frameworks rather than a formal treaty body.
- Strengthening AI for jobs and public service delivery, highlighting AI’s role in employment generation and governance efficiency.
- Expansion of India’s AI Safety Institute model, promoting collaborative research on AI safety and standards.
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Significance of India-AI Impact Summit 2026
- Voice of the Global South: Unlike earlier global AI summits that focused on risks and regulation for developed nations, India’s summit emphasizes developmental outcomes. It showcases how AI can address Global South challenges such as healthcare access, agricultural productivity, and language barriers.
- Democratization of Technology: India is showcasing its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model (like UPI and Aadhaar) as a blueprint for AI.
- The summit advocates for "AI Commons"—making compute power, datasets, and models accessible to developing nations rather than being monopolized by a few tech giants.
- Shift from ‘Regulation’ to ‘Innovation’: The New Delhi summit emphasizes Applied AI.
- Strategic Diplomacy: By hosting this summit, India positions itself as a bridge power between the developed West (which owns the technology) and the developing South (which needs the technology), reinforcing its diplomatic leverage in technology governance.
Note: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. It enables systems to learn from experience, adapt to new situations, and solve complex problems independently.
- AI uses datasets, algorithms, and large language models to analyse information, recognise patterns, and generate responses.
- Over time, these systems improve their performance, allowing them to reason, make decisions, and communicate in ways similar to humans.

What is the Significance of AI for India?
For People: Bridging Social Inequities
- Healthcare: AI-driven diagnostics are bridging the doctor-patient ratio (currently ~1:834 in India).
- Tools like Qure.ai (radiology) and automated blood/urine analysis are providing "lab-grade" results in rural clinics.
- Education: Platforms like DIKSHA and adaptive learning systems personalize curriculum for students with different learning speeds, while AI translation removes the "English barrier" for rural learners.
- YUVAi: Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI, a national programme aimed at enabling students from Classes 8 to 12 with AI and social skills in an inclusive manner.
- Linguistic Inclusion: With Bhashini, AI enables real-time translation across 22 Scheduled Indian languages, ensuring that digital governance is not restricted by language.
- Sarvam Vision an indigenous model optimized for Indian languages and high-accuracy document processing (OCR), reducing reliance on foreign proprietary models.
For the Planet: Precision and Sustainability
- Agriculture: AI models analyze satellite imagery and soil data to provide localized weather advisories and pest predictions.
- Initiatives like Kisan E-Mitra (AI chatbot) help farmers optimize fertilizer use, reducing costs and environmental runoff.
- MausamGPT an AI-powered chatbot currently under development to provide personalized, conversational climate and weather advisories to farmers in regional languages.
- Energy Management: AI serves as a tool for "Climate-Smart" development, critical for India's 2070 Net Zero targets.
- AI integrates with smart grids to predict peak loads and manage the intermittency of renewable energy (solar/wind), enhancing the efficiency of India’s transition to green energy.
- Flood Forecasting: Systems like BrahmaSATARK use AI-integrated physics modeling to provide impact-based forecasts for the Brahmaputra and Ganga basins.
For Progress: Economic and Governance Transformation
- Governance: AI is projected to add USD 500–600 billion to India's GDP by 2030 through productivity gains.
- India is integrating AI into its Digital Public Infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker).
- For example, MuleHunter.AI identifies "mule accounts" in banking to prevent fraud and automates the translation of complex court judgments to improve legal accessibility.
- Digital Sovereignty: Through the IndiaAI Mission, India is building its own compute capacity (38,000+ GPUs) and indigenous models like BharatGen (world’s first government-funded multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) initiative for AI-driven public services).
- This ensures that India’s data stays within its borders and AI models are "culturally representative."
AI Ecosystem in India at Present
- Over 6 million people are employed in the tech and AI ecosystem. India’s AI talent pool is projected to grow over 12.5 lakh by 2027, reflecting strong demand in data science, AI engineering, and analytics.
- To support this growth, MeitY’s FutureSkills PRIME programme has attracted over 18.56 lakh registrations, with more than 3.37 lakh course completions, strengthening India’s AI-ready workforce.
- As of 2025, the country hosts 1,800+ Global Capability Centres, including more than 500 focused on AI.
- India has around 1.8 lakh startups, and nearly 89% of new startups launched last year used AI in their products or services.
- On the NASSCOM AI Adoption Index, India scores 2.45 out of 4, showing that 87% of enterprises are actively using AI solutions.
- Leading sectors in AI adoption include industrial and automotive, consumer goods and retail, banking, financial services and insurance, and healthcare. Together, they contribute around 60% of AI’s total value.
- A Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report confirms that 26% of Indian companies have achieved AI maturity at scale.
What is the India AI Mission?
- About: The IndiaAI Mission, approved by the Cabinet in March 2024 with a budget of Rs 10,371 crore, is a transformative initiative aimed at establishing India as a global leader in AI through the vision of "Making AI in India and Making AI Work for India."
- The mission is implemented by IndiaAI, an independent business division under the MeitY.
- The Seven Pillars of the IndiaAI Mission:
- IndiaAI Compute: Provides affordable access to high-end GPUs, with over 38,000 onboarded and eligible users can access AI compute at up to 40% reduced cost under the India AI Mission.
- IndiaAI Application Development: Promotes AI solutions for India-specific challenges in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, governance, climate change, and cybersecurity through hackathons and approved applications.
- AIKosh (Dataset Platform): Offers a national repository of datasets and AI models, hosting 3,000+ datasets and 243 models across 20 sectors to accelerate AI development.
- IndiaAI Foundation Models: Supports development of indigenous large multimodal AI models using Indian languages and data, with startups like Sarvam AI and Gnani AI selected in the first phase.
- IndiaAI FutureSkills: Builds AI talent through fellowships, academic programmes, and AI labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to expand workforce readiness.
- IndiaAI Startup Financing: Provides funding and global expansion support to AI startups, including market access initiatives in Europe.
- Safe and Trusted AI: Ensures responsible AI adoption through projects on bias mitigation, privacy, explainability, governance testing, and the IndiaAI Safety Institute.
Conclusion
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 redefines global technology governance by prioritizing developmental outcomes over existential risks, marking the first such leadership from the Global South. Ultimately, it positions India as a "bridge power" that aligns AI innovation with the human-centric principles of People, Planet, and Progress.
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Drishti Mains Question:
“India AI Impact Summit 2026 marks a shift from AI safety to AI for development.” Discuss its implications for the Global South.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the core objective of the India AI Impact Summit 2026?
It aims to promote AI for development, inclusive growth, and responsible governance, shifting focus from risk-centric regulation to practical deployment.
2. What are the “Three Sutras” of the summit?
People, Planet, and Progress—focusing on social empowerment, sustainability, and economic growth through AI.
3. What is the IndiaAI Mission?
A ₹10,371 crore initiative (2024) to build sovereign AI capabilities through compute access, datasets, indigenous models, skilling, and responsible AI frameworks.
4. How does AI support inclusive development in India?
AI improves healthcare diagnostics, personalized education, language translation, and financial inclusion through Digital Public Infrastructure.
5. Why is India’s AI approach significant for the Global South?
It emphasizes affordable access, AI commons, and developmental use cases, offering a scalable model for emerging economies.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
- Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
- Create meaningful short stories and songs
- Disease diagnosis
- Text-to-Speech Conversion
- Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
Q. The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to (2018)
(a) Exoplanets
(b) Cryptocurrency
(c) Cyber attacks
(d) Mini satellites
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare?(2023)
Q. What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India?(2022)
Q. “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (2020)
PM RAHAT Scheme
17-02-2026
Source: PIB
In its first major decision after relocating to Seva Teerth, the Union Government launched the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme.
PM RAHAT Scheme
- About: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to provide immediate, cashless treatment to road accident victims.
- It focuses on timely medical care, as nearly 50% of road accident deaths can be prevented if victims receive hospital treatment within the Golden Hour (the first hour after a serious injury).
- Cashless Treatment and Coverage: Victims on any road (e.g., national highways, state roads, and city streets) are entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per victim for the first 7 days.
- Stabilization care is guaranteed for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and 48 hours in life-threatening cases, subject to police authentication.
- Implementation and Access: It operates through a technology-driven framework that creates a seamless digital link from accident reporting to claim settlement, combining:
- Funding Mechanism: Hospitals will be reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF). If the offending vehicle is insured, payment will be made from contributions by General Insurance Companies. In uninsured and hit-and-run cases, expenses will be covered through the Government of India budgetary allocation.
- Emergency Response Integration: The scheme is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) dial 112, allowing any individual (victim or Good Samaritan) to request ambulance services and locate the nearest designated hospital.
- Grievance Redressal: District-level accountability is ensured by designating a Grievance Redressal Officer, nominated by the District Road Safety Committee (chaired by the District Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner), to address the grievances of victims.
International Conference on Dam Safety 2026
17-02-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS) 2026 concluded successfully in Bengaluru, serving as a pivotal platform for strengthening India’s dam safety ecosystem.
What are the Key Highlights of ICDS 2026?
- Dam Safety Framework: The conference emphasized the implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) to ensure the safety and longevity of India's dams.
- Sediment Management: Reservoir sedimentation was identified as a major threat to water security, highlighting the need for preventive measures such as catchment treatment and remote sensing.
- Experts recommended simplified risk screening and dam-break assessment tools to prioritize safety measures across India's large dam portfolio.
- Flood Management: The importance of forecast-informed and basin-level coordinated reservoir operations was underscored, utilizing dynamic rule curves and real-time data sharing to manage floods and droughts.
- Emergency Preparedness: The conference called for strengthening Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), floodplain zoning, and early warning systems to enhance community preparedness and institutional response.
International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS) 2026
- The ICDS 2026 is the second in the series organized under DRIP Phase II & III, the first was held in Jaipur in 2023.
- It was jointly organized by the Government of Karnataka, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Water Commission (CWC), IISc Bangalore, and the World Bank.
What is the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)?
- DRIP: It is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, designed to enhance the structural safety and operational efficiency of dams in India.
- Need: India ranks third globally (after China and the USA) in the number of large dams, with a portfolio of 6628 dams (National Register of Specified Dams, 2025).
- Ensuring the safety and operational efficiency of this aging infrastructure is critical for water security making DRIP necessary.
- Objectives
- Safety Improvement: To improve the safety and operational performance of selected existing dams and associated appurtenances in a sustainable manner.
- Institutional Strengthening: To strengthen the dam safety institutional setup in participating States as well as at the Central level.
- Revenue Generation: To explore incidental revenue generation for sustainable operation and maintenance of dams.
- Funding Pattern: The funding pattern of the scheme is 80:20(Special Category States), 70:30(General Category States) and 50:50(Central Agencies).
- The Scheme also has provision of Central Grant of 90% of loan amount for special category States (Manipur, Meghalaya and Uttarakhand).
- Phases:
- Phase I (2012–2021): Successfully completed the rehabilitation of 223 dams across 7 states, establishing basic safety protocols and guidelines.
- Phase II & III (2021–2031): Currently ongoing, these phases target 736 dams across 19 states, emphasizing climate resilience, advanced monitoring, and sustainable revenue generation.
Dam Safety Act, 2021
- The Act establishes a comprehensive framework for surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of large dams to ensure safety and prevent dam failure disasters.
- Dam Safety Act 2021 provides for four tiers of institutional mechanism: establishment of National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) and National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) at Centre level and establishment of State Committee on Dam Safety and the State Dam Safety Organization at State level.
- Under the Act, dam owners are responsible for the safe construction, operation, and maintenance of dams. They must set up dam safety units for regular inspections, especially during monsoons and disasters, and prepare Emergency Action Plans, risk assessments, and expert safety evaluations to prevent failures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the objective of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)?
DRIP aims to enhance the structural safety, operational efficiency, and institutional capacity of dam management in India with World Bank and AIIB support.
2. Why is reservoir sedimentation a concern for India?
Sedimentation reduces storage capacity, weakens dam efficiency, and threatens long-term water security and flood control.
3. What institutional framework is created under the Dam Safety Act, 2021?
It establishes the National Dam Safety Authority and National Committee at the Centre, along with State Dam Safety Organizations and Committees.
4. How does ICDS 2026 contribute to dam safety in India?
It promotes best practices in sediment management, flood forecasting, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness to strengthen dam safety.
5. Why is DRIP important for India’s water security?
With over 6,600 large dams, DRIP ensures safe operation and climate resilience of aging infrastructure critical for irrigation, power, and drinking water.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2022)
Reservoirs : States
Ghataprabha : Telangana
Gandhi Sagar : Madhya Pradesh
Indira Sagar : Andhra Pradesh
Maithon : Chhattisgarh
How many pairs given above are not correctly matched?
A. Only one pair
B. Only two pairs PAY
C. Only three pairs
D. All four pairs
Ans: C
Q. On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located? (2008)
(a) Alaknanda
(b) Bhagirathi
(c) Dhauliganga
(d) Mandakini
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies? (2018)
MHA’s New SOP on Cyber Financial Frauds
17-01-2026
Source: IE
Why in News?
In a major step to strengthen India’s cybercrime response, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling cyber financial frauds under the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
- The move aims to ensure faster refund of defrauded money, especially in small-value cases, and improve victim-centric grievance redressal.
What is the New SOP on Cyber Financial Frauds?
- About: The new SOP for cyber financial fraud cases under the Cyber Financial Crime Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) is implemented through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and coordinated by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
- It provides a uniform, pan-India framework for handling online financial fraud.
- Core Objective: SOP aims to ensure quick freezing of fraudulent transactions, faster restoration of money to victims, and accountability of financial intermediaries, while shifting cybercrime response towards a victim-centric and time-bound model.
- Reliefs Under SOP: For frauds below Rs 50,000, refunds can be processed without a court order.
- If no court or restoration order exists, banks must lift the freeze within 90 days, preventing indefinite blocking of funds.
- Need: India lost over Rs 52,000 crore to cyber frauds in six years, victims often faced delays, prolonged account freezes, and lack of clarity.
- The SOP addresses these systemic gaps and strengthens trust in the digital payments ecosystem.
- Standardise Processes Across Institutions: The SOP lays down a common procedure for banks, NBFCs, payment aggregators, e-commerce platforms, stock-trading apps, and mutual fund houses, ensuring consistency, faster coordination, and reduced ambiguity in handling cyber fraud complaints.
- Digital Systems: Following two new modules will be developed under NCRP, which will improve coordination between financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and victims.
- Grievance Redressal Module for tracking and resolving complaints.
- Money Restoration Module for faster refund of defrauded amounts.
National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)
- The NCRP under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, was dedicated to the nation in 2020. Unlike the earlier CCPWC portal, which covered only child sexual abuse and rape-related content, the revamped NCRP enables reporting of all types of cybercrime across India through a single platform.
- Key features include nationwide cybercrime reporting, special focus on online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), case-status tracking, multi-level monitoring dashboards, and support through Cyber Volunteers and the Vani–CyberDost chatbot.
- The NCRP integrates the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), which connects 85+ banks and payment intermediaries and enables reporting of financial frauds via the 1930 national helpline, allowing swift coordination between law enforcement agencies, banks, RBI, NPCI, and other stakeholders to prevent fund siphoning and restore losses.
Note: In another development, the Union government has set up a high-level inter-departmental committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs to tackle the growing menace of “digital arrest” scams, which have already led to losses of around Rs 3,000 crore based on reported complaints alone and have disproportionately affected the elderly and vulnerable.
- The committee brings together key agencies like the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bureau of Investigation, and has engaged platforms such as Google and WhatsApp to plug real-time enforcement gaps, stop police and court impersonation, and tighten safeguards against large-scale fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new SOP on cyber financial frauds?
It is a uniform, pan-India procedure approved by the MHA to handle cyber financial fraud cases through NCRP and CFCFRMS.
2. What major relief does the SOP provide to victims?
For frauds below Rs 50,000, refunds can be processed without a court order, and banks must lift fund freezes within 90 days if no order exists.
3. Which institutions are covered under the SOP?
Banks, NBFCs, payment aggregators, e-commerce platforms, stock-trading apps, and mutual fund houses.
4. Why is NCRP important in India’s cybercrime framework?
NCRP enables nationwide reporting of all cybercrimes, integrates CFCFRMS, and connects 85+ banks and intermediaries via the 1930 helpline for swift action.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)
- Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
- Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
- Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
- Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Q.2 In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)
- Service providers
- Data centres
- Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
Guidelines for Virtual Digital Assets
17-01-2026
Source: TOI
Why in News?
The Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND) has introduced stringent new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines for Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) service providers to curb financial crimes in India’s cryptocurrency ecosystem.
What are the New FIU-IND Guidelines for Virtual Digital Assets?
- Enhanced Verification: Mandatory live selfie with liveliness detection (eye-blink/head movement) and geographic tracking (latitude, longitude, timestamp, IP) during user onboarding to prevent static/deepfake fraud.
- Multi-Layer KYC: Requires PAN + secondary ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID), OTP verification for email/mobile, and “penny-drop” bank account confirmation via a Rs 1 transaction.
- Risk-Based Monitoring: KYC updates every 6 months for high-risk clients and annually for others; enhanced due diligence for entities linked to tax havens, FATF grey/black lists, politically exposed persons (PEPs) or non-profit organisations (NPOs).
- Crackdown on Opaque Instruments: Strongly discourages Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and Initial Token Offerings (ITOs) and prohibits facilitation of anonymity-enhancing crypto tumblers and mixers.
- Crypto tumblers and mixers are services that enhance transaction privacy by pooling and scrambling funds from multiple users, then redistributing them to break the traceable link on the public blockchain ledger.
- Regulatory Compliance: Crypto exchanges must register as PMLA reporting entities, maintain 5-year client/transaction records, and report suspicious transactions to the FIU.
- A cryptocurrency exchange is a digital platform that allows users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies for other digital assets or traditional fiat money. E.g., Coinbase.
What are Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs)?
- About: VDAs are digitally represented values using cryptographic technology that have been formally defined and regulated in India to address taxation, financial integrity, and money-laundering risks amid their rapid growth.
- Key Types of VDAs:
- Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies used as a medium of exchange.
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Unique digital assets representing ownership of art, collectibles, or virtual goods.
- Utility Tokens: Provide access to specific services or platforms within a blockchain ecosystem.
- Asset/Security Tokens: Represent ownership or stake in real-world assets.
- Legal Definition in India: Statutorily defined under Section 2(47A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, inserted by the Finance Act, 2022.
- Includes any information, code, number, or token (excluding Indian and foreign currency) generated through cryptographic means, representing digital value.
- Explicitly covers Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and any other digital asset notified by the Central Government. Primarily encompasses cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum), NFTs, and similar tokens.
- Regulatory and Taxation Framework in India:
- Taxation: 30% flat tax on income from transfer of VDAs (effective from 1st April 2022). No deductions allowed except cost of acquisition; losses cannot be set off or carried forward.
- 1% TDS applicable on specified transactions under Section 194S of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Anti-Money Laundering Oversight: Since March 2023, VDA activities are covered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). Crypto exchanges and wallet providers are treated as reporting entities and must register with FIU-IND.
Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND)
- About: FIU-IND is India’s central agency responsible for receiving, analysing, and disseminating financial intelligence to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in India.
- Institutional Status: Functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and derives its powers from the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). Reports directly to the Economic Intelligence Council (EIC), chaired by the Finance Minister.
- Regulatory Role in Crypto Sector: The FIU-IND is the single-point regulator for cryptocurrency exchanges under the PMLA, requiring mandatory registration, KYC compliance, and reporting of suspicious transactions.
- Crypto is not legal tender in India but is taxable under the Income-Tax law.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements: (2020)
- It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls.
- The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.
- Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Ans: (d)
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2018)
Terms sometimes seen in news Context/Topic
- Belle II experiment — Artificial Intelligence
- Blockchain technology —Digital/ Cryptocurrency
- CRISPR – Cas9 —Particle Physics
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
National Energy Conservation Awards 2025
16-12-2025
Source: PIB
On National Energy Conservation Day 2025 (14th December), the President presented the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 in New Delhi.
National Energy Conservation Awards
- About: It is an initiative of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), instituted in 1991 to recognize outstanding achievements in reducing energy consumption while maintaining or enhancing productivity.
- Sectors Covered: Industries, commercial buildings, transport, institutions, and energy-efficient appliances.
- Objectives:

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
- About: BEE is a statutory body, established on 1st March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
- Functions: BEE promotes energy efficiency in India through initiatives such as the
“Fare Se Fursat” Fixed Airfare Scheme
16-10-2025
Source: PIB
The Minister of Civil Aviation, launched a new initiative titled "Fare Se Fursat", a fixed airfare scheme by India’s government-owned regional carrier, Alliance Air.
- India’s aviation sector’s dynamic pricing model is being reformed through a new scheme aimed at ensuring transparent, stable, and affordable regional airfares.
- Key Features
- Fixed Fare System: Passengers will pay a single, constant fare, even for same-day bookings.
- Aligned with UDAN: It supports the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) mission of making flying accessible for the middle and lower-middle classes.
- Passenger Benefits: Ensures predictable travel costs, reduces stress, and encourages first-time flyers from smaller towns.
India’s Aviation Sector
- India’s aviation industry has witnessed rapid expansion, making it the third-largest domestic aviation market after the USA and China.
- India’s aviation revenue is expected to grow by 15-20% in FY24 and 10-15% in FY25.
- Domestic air traffic in FY23 reached 306.79 million passengers, a 13.5% YoY growth, while international traffic rose 22.3% to 69.64 million passengers.
- Operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with a goal of 350-400 by 2047.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
16-10-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the ‘Poor’ category prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) to prevent further deterioration in air quality.
What is a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?
- About: The GRAP is a pre-emptive and emergency framework designed to control and reduce air pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region.
- It was formulated under the directions of the Supreme Court of India in the case of M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (2016).
- GRAP was officially notified and came into effect in 2017 and is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and state authorities.
- The plan categorises pollution response measures into four stages, depending on the AQI levels.
- Stages of GRAP:
- Stage I – Poor (AQI 201–300): Basic pollution control measures like road dust management and enforcing vehicle PUC (Pollution Under Control) norms.
- Stage II – Very Poor (AQI 301–400): Stricter actions such as limiting diesel generator use and controlling operations in pollution hotspots.
- Stage III – Severe (AQI 401–450): Imposes restrictions on specific vehicles, construction activities, and allows for remote schooling measures.
- Stage IV – Severe+ (AQI > 450): Enforces bans on entry of heavy vehicles, closure of schools, and shutdown of non-essential industries.
- Purpose: GRAP ensures a graded, coordinated, and time-bound response to rising pollution levels.
- Its goal is to prevent air quality from worsening to hazardous levels by activating stricter measures as pollution increases.

Air Quality Index
- Launched by the MoEFCC under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the National Air Quality Index (AQI) provides a simple way for people to understand air quality through the idea of “One Number – One Colour – One Description.”
- It tracks eight pollutants (PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, NO₂, SO₂, CO, O₃, NH₃, and Pb) across over 240 cities under the National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
- The AQI has six categories: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe each linked to likely health impacts.
- By translating complex data into clear terms, AQI helps raise public awareness, guide policy action, and promote clean air initiatives under India’s environmental and health programmes.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- The CAQM is a statutory body set up under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 to coordinate and implement measures for air pollution control in NCR and adjoining areas (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh).
- The Commission must have a full-time chairperson with at least 15 years of experience in environmental protection and pollution control, or 25 years of administrative experience.
- The Commission is directly accountable to Parliament and serves as the apex body for NCR air quality management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?
GRAP is a graded framework notified in 2017 to tackle rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR through stage-wise actions based on AQI levels.
2. Who implements GRAP in Delhi-NCR?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implements GRAP in coordination with the MoEFCC and state governments.
3. What are the four stages of GRAP?
Stage I – Poor, Stage II – Very Poor, Stage III – Severe, and Stage IV – Severe+, with progressively stricter pollution control measures.
4. What is the National Air Quality Index (AQI)?
The AQI, launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission, uses the concept of “One Number – One Colour – One Description” to simplify air quality data for the public.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? (2016)
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
Annual Licensing Policy for Opium Cultivation for 2025-26
16-09-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Government has announced the annual licensing policy for opium poppy cultivation in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh for 2025-26, increasing eligible farmers to 1.21 lakh.
Annual Licensing Policy for Opium Cultivation for 2025-26
- It is designed to maintain a consistent supply of alkaloids for medical and palliative use while fostering self-reliance in opium and alkaloid production through government-run factories.
- The policy sets eligibility rules, offers incentives for high-performing farmers, and regulates those who do not meet performance standards.
- Under the “Make for World” vision, efforts are being made to promote Indian pharmaceutical companies by ensuring modernization and global quality standards.
What is Opium Poppy?
- About: The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is an annual medicinal herb belonging to the Papaveraceae family.
- It is the primary source of opium gum, which contains alkaloids like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, widely used in modern medicine as painkillers, cough suppressants, and antispasmodics.
- Apart from medicinal use, it is also grown for edible seeds and seed oil.
- Favourable Conditions: Grows best in temperate climate and winter cultivation possible in sub-tropical regions.
- Cultivation needs well-drained, fertile light black or loamy soil with pH around 7.0.
- Frost, desiccating conditions, cloudy or rainy weather lower both quantity and quality of opium.
- Opium Cultivation in India: India is the only country authorized by the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) to produce gum opium. 11 other countries cultivate opium poppy, but they do not extract gum.
- Opium poppy has been cultivated in India since the 10th century. It became a federal monopoly during the Mughal period in the 16th century, came under British control from 1773, and is now regulated by the Indian government.
- Regulation: Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, cultivation of opium poppy is strictly prohibited except under a license issued by the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh).
- Cultivators are required to sell their entire opium production to CBN, with the price fixed by the government.
- Currently, licit cultivation is permitted only in selected tracts of the three traditional opium-growing states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
- As a signatory to the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, India is required to strictly adhere to the provisions and regulations outlined in the Convention while managing its opium production.
SC Issues DNA Evidence Guidelines in Criminal Cases
16-09-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
In the Kattavellai@Devakar v. State of Tamil Nadu case 2025, the Supreme Court (SC) issued guidelines to ensure the integrity of DNA evidence in criminal investigations.
What are the Key SC Guidelines on DNA Evidence Handling?
- Proper Documentation at Collection Stage: The document must record important information like FIR number,investigating officer details, signatures of the medical professional, and independent witnesses.
- Samples must not be opened, altered, or resealed without trial court authorization.
- Timely Transportation: The investigating officer must transport DNA samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) within 48 hours.
- Chain of Custody Maintenance: A Chain of Custody Register must be maintained from sample collection to case closure and included in the trial court record.
What are the Key Issues Involved in DNA Evidence Management?
- Collection and Preservation Issues: DNA evidence is prone to contamination, degradation from heat or moisture, and may have insufficient quantity for analysis or retesting.
- Analysis Issues: DNA evidence faces human error, bias, and lack of standardized lab protocols, affecting reliability.
- Privacy Issues: DNA databases raise privacy concerns, function creep, surveillance risks, and potential genetic discrimination.
- Interpretative Issues: Overreliance on DNA and challenges with complex mixtures or trace DNA can lead to misinterpretation and wrongful convictions.
Judicial Stand on DNA Evidence Admissibility
- Kunhiraman v. Manoj Case (1991): DNA technology was first used in India to resolve a paternity dispute.
- Sharda v. Dharmpal Case (2003): The Supreme Court endorsed the use of DNA technology in civil and matrimonial disputes, ruling it does not violate Article 21 (right to personal liberty) or Article 20(3) (right against self-incrimination).
- Bharatiya Nagarik Surakhsha Sanhita, 2023 (Section 51): Authorizes the medical examination of apprehended individuals, including DNA profiling and other necessary tests by a registered medical practitioner.
- Rahul v. State of Delhi, MHA (2022): DNA evidence was rejected as the sample remained in police custody for two months, raising tampering concerns.
- Devakar case (2025): DNA evidence is classified as opinion evidence under Section 39 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, and its probative value differs by case, requiring scientific and legal validation.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s guidelines in Kattavellai @ Devakar v. State of Tamil Nadu (2025) ensure uniformity, scientific validity, and integrity of DNA evidence in criminal cases. Proper documentation, timely transportation, preservation, and chain of custody are critical to prevent contamination and strengthen the probative value of DNA as opinion evidence under the law.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the significance of the Supreme Court’s guidelines in maintaining the integrity of DNA evidence in criminal investigations.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: DNA Barcoding can be a tool to:(2022)
1.assess the age of a plant or animal.
2.distinguish among species that look alike.
3.identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct? (2019)
(a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
(b) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
(c) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
(d) Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.
Ans: (a)
RBI’s FREE-AI Committee Report
16-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI) Committee Report. It calls for 7 guiding sutras to promote responsible AI use in the financial sector while balancing innovation and risk mitigation.
What are the RBI’s 7 Sutras for AI adoption Under FREE-AI?
- Trust is the Foundation: Trust is non-negotiable and should remain uncompromised. Build Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems that are reliable, transparent, and inspire public confidence.
- People First: AI should support human decision-making but defer to human judgment and citizen interest, prioritising welfare, dignity, and inclusion.
- Innovation over Restraint: Encourage responsible innovation while avoiding unnecessary restrictions.
- Fairness and Equity: AI outcomes should be fair and non-discriminatory.
- Accountability: Accountability rests with the entities deploying AI and clearly define responsibilities for AI decisions and their impacts.
- Understandable by Design: Make AI systems and their decisions interpretable for users and regulators.
- Safety, Resilience, and Sustainability: Develop AI that is secure, adaptable, and sustainable in the long term.
What Can be the Significance of AI in Finance?
- Revenue Growth: AI is projected to drive significant revenue growth, with investments in financial services expected to reach Rs 8 lakh crore by 2027.
- Efficiency and Personalization: AI can streamline repetitive and time-consuming tasks, enabling financial institutions to process large volumes of data more quickly and accurately, such as in loan application processing.
- Financial Inclusion: AI uses alternative data (like utility bills, GST filings) to assess creditworthiness, enabling loans to “thin-file or new borrowers” excluded from traditional systems.
- Innovation in Digital Infrastructure: AI enhances India's digital public infrastructure (e.g., Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface) to provide personalized, adaptive financial services.
- Better Risk Management: AI helps in fraud detection, early risk warnings, and improved decision-making, optimizing risk management processes.
- J.P. Morgan’s AI payment validation cut fraud, lowering account rejection rates by 15–20%.
- Synergies with Emerging Tech: AI's integration with quantum computing and privacy technologies promises enhanced performance and security in finance.
What are the Challenges of AI in Finance?
- Model Bias and Risk: AI models can inherit biases from training data, leading to unfair decisions. The "black box" nature makes them hard to audit.
- Third-Party Risks: Heavy reliance on a few vendors or cloud providers can cause service disruptions, software issues, and cyber vulnerabilities.
- Regulatory and Liability Concerns: The lack of transparency in AI models complicates liability allocation in case of errors or biased outcomes.
- Cybersecurity Threats: While AI can improve security, it also opens new attack routes like data poisoning, adversarial inputs, and deepfakes.
- Ethical and Consumer Protection Issues: Algorithmic bias, privacy violations, and lack of transparency can undermine consumer trust and exclude vulnerable groups.
- Risk of Non-Adoption: Not using AI can hurt competitiveness, reduce efficiency, slow financial inclusion, and leave systems exposed to AI-powered threats.
India’s Policy Developments on AI in Finance
- The RBI has introduced MuleHunter AI, developed by RBI Innovation Hub to help banks quickly detect mule accounts and curb digital frauds.
- RBI’s digital lending rules require auditable AI credit assessments with human oversight and robust grievance redressal for AI-driven decisions.
- Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) consultation paper in 2025 provides guidelines for responsible AI use in Indian securities markets.
- IndiaAI Mission aims to foster AI innovation, enhance research, and improve access to computer infrastructure.
What are the RBI’s Recommendations for AI in Finance?
- Innovation Enablement: Establish high-quality financial sector data infrastructure as part of digital public infrastructure, integrated with AI Kosh.
- Create an AI Innovation Sandbox like GenAI Digital Sandbox, a secure test environment for financial institutions to trial AI models using anonymised data, with tools to detect bias or errors and ensure compliance with AML, KYC, and consumer protection norms.
- Consumer Protection & Security: Organizations should conduct proportionate AI red teaming through periodic and trigger-based tests and implement incident reporting frameworks with good-faith disclosure to manage AI risks effectively.
- Capacity Building within REs: Develop structured training programs for AI governance and risk mitigation at all levels within institutions.
- Establish frameworks for exchanging AI use cases and best practices across the financial sector.
- AI Incident Reporting: Create an AI incident reporting framework for timely detection and disclosure of AI-related issues.
Conclusion
The FREE-AI framework outlines how AI can be responsibly and ethically adopted in India’s financial sector, offering a roadmap for regulators, financial institutions, and technology providers to harness AI’s potential effectively.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the Reserve Bank of India’s “Seven Sutras” in balancing innovation with ethical safeguards in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the financial sector.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
- Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
- Create meaningful short stories and songs
- Disease diagnosis
- Text-to-Speech Conversion
- Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q. Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (2023)
Semiconductor Industry in India
16-08-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet approved 4 new semiconductor projects in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), bringing the total to 10 projects across 6 states.
What are the Key Trends and Opportunities Shaping the Growth of India's Semiconductor Market?
- Market Size: India's semiconductor consumption market, valued at USD 52 billion in 2024-25, is expected to reach USD 103.4 billion by 2030 with Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13%.
- Mobile handsets, IT, and industrial applications account for approx 70% of revenue, while automotive and industrial electronics offer significant scope.
- Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, and the US dominate the semiconductor industry.
- India’s imports of Integrated circuits (ICs), memory chips, and amplifiers surged by 2,000%, 4,500%, and 4,800% from FY16–24, with China supplying nearly one-third of these imports.

- Key Opportunities for India:
- Large Market Potential: India has emerged as the world's second-largest market for 5G smartphones, trailing only behind China, holding a 13% share, behind China’s 32%.
- Surging Domestic Demand: Growing consumption of mobile devices, computers, and digital technologies, coupled with the 5G rollout and AI adoption, is driving strong demand for advanced semiconductors.
- Global Partnerships & Support: Collaborations with global semiconductor leaders and countries like US and Japan facilitate technology transfer and enhance India’s capabilities.
- Semicon India Programme and expansion of manufacturing and digitalisation strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
What is the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)?
- About: ISM, approved in 2021, aims to boost India’s global electronics value chain presence and establish it as a global manufacturing hub.
- It operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- Objective: To support chip design startups, promoting indigenous IP and technology transfer, fostering research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration.
- It aims to reduce import dependence to strengthen India’s global semiconductor presence.
- Mission Focus:
- Set up chip manufacturing fabs
- Create packaging and testing units (ATMP/OSAT)
- Support chip design startups
- Train engineers and technical talent
- Attract global semiconductor investments
- Key Schemes under ISM:
- Semiconductor Fabs Scheme: Providing up to 50% fiscal support for wafer fabrication(fabs) units.
- Display Fabs Scheme: Up to 50% financial assistance for AMOLED/LCD display fabs to promote domestic innovation.
- Compound Semiconductors & ATMP/OSAT Scheme: Up to 50% support for compound semiconductors, MEMS/sensors, silicon photonics, and downstream packaging/testing facilities.
- Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: Promotes semiconductor design startups and Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by financial support up to Rs 15 crore per company across product development stages.
Initiatives to Promote India’s Semiconductor Industry in India
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme: PLI for large-scale electronics manufacturing and IT hardware to boost domestic production and exports.
- Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS): Strengthened component and semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
- Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC & EMC 2.0): Developed infrastructure and ecosystem for electronics manufacturing.
- Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017: Prioritizes domestically manufactured products in government procurement.
- Tax Reforms: Rationalization of tariffs, exemption of basic customs duty on capital goods, and other incentives.
- FDI Policy: Allows 100% FDI in electronics manufacturing, subject to applicable laws/regulations.
What are the Key Challenges to India’s Semiconductor Industry?
- Infrastructure & Innovation Challenges: Semiconductor fabrication involves 500–1,500 complex steps in cleanrooms, requiring advanced infrastructure, technology, and skilled talent.
- High costs of fab setup, R&D, and equipment, coupled with India’s weak semiconductor research and dependence on imported components and IP, limit innovation and technological self-reliance.
- Skilled Workforce Gap: India currently employs about 220,000 semiconductor professionals, but the industry faces a projected shortfall of 250,000 to 350,000 skilled workers by 2027 across the semiconductor value chain
- Technology & Global Competition: Taiwan and South Korea dominate global semiconductor production (80% of chip foundries), while ASML (Netherlands) controls EUV lithography, and Nvidia and ARM lead chip design, limiting India’s access to advanced technologies.
- Environmental & Regulatory Challenges: Semiconductor manufacturing uses hazardous chemicals, toxic metals, and high energy, creating environmental risks and added compliance costs.
- Complex regulations, IP issues, export controls, and policy uncertainty increase operational challenges for manufacturers.
What Steps Should India Take to Strengthen Its Semiconductor Industry?
- Skill Development: Establish specialized training programs in chip design, fabrication, and testing to build a skilled workforce.
- Boost R&D & Indigenous IP: Increase investment in research and development, support indigenous product design, and develop intellectual property, enabling startups and smaller companies to compete globally.
- Incentives & Policy Support: Strengthen government initiatives like India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and state-level policies (e.g., UP Semiconductor Policy 2024) to attract investments and promote semiconductor manufacturing.
- Chip Diplomacy & Niche Focus: Promote international collaboration (“chip diplomacy”) and focus on niche technologies like MEMS and sensors to position India in specialized segments of the global market.
- Private Sector Participation & Strategic Opportunities: Encourage private investment and collaborations, such as Tata-PSMC fab in Gujarat.
- Leverage geopolitical shifts (US-China tensions) to expand India’s semiconductor footprint.
Conclusion
India’s semiconductor sector is growing rapidly, driven by ISM, PLI, and SEMICON India, rising domestic demand, and global partnerships. Strengthening infrastructure, technology, and skills will be key to making India a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design.

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Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the growth potential of India’s semiconductor sector and suggest measures to overcome key challenges for self-reliance.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer? (2008)
(a) Dye laser
(b) Gas laser
(c) Semiconductor laser
(d) Excimer laser
Ans: (c)
Q. With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: (2018)
- India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
- The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country. (2016)
Income Tax Bill, 2025
16-08-2025
Source: IE
Both houses of the Parliament passed the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which seeks to simplify, rationalise, and shorten the existing Income Tax 1961 Act.
- The Bill defines virtual digital space as any digital environment including email, social media, online accounts, cloud servers, websites, and digital platforms.
- If retained, tax authorities could access or bypass passwords to investigate potential tax evasion or under-reported income, with companies potentially required to assist.
- It replaces the dual concepts of ‘assessment year’ and ‘previous year’ with a uniform ‘tax year’, defined as 1st April 1 to 31st March.
- The Bill removes the restriction limiting refunds to on-time filed returns, allowing claims even for belatedly filed returns.
- The Bill clarifies there will be no Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) remittances for education purposes financed by financial institutions.
- Individuals with no tax liability can seek a nil Tax Deduction at Source certificate in advance.
- The applicability of the Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) for Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) has been aligned with the existing provisions of the IT Act.
- AMT ensures that individuals benefiting from tax deductions and exemptions pay at least the minimum amount of tax.
Income Tax
- It is a direct tax on the income earned by individuals, companies, or other entities during a financial year. For individual taxpayers in India, it is levied according to progressive tax slabs.
- These slabs may vary under the new tax regime or with applicable rebates and deductions.
- According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes, India’s gross direct tax collections for 2025-26 stood at Rs 7.99 lakh crore, down 1.9% from Rs 8.14 lakh crore in FY 2024-25.
India Achieves 50% Non-Fossil Fuel Power Capacity
16-07-2025
Source: PIB
India’s non-fossil fuel power capacity has reached 242.78 GW out of 484.82 GW total installed capacity, 5 years ahead of its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Non-Fossil Fuels:
- Non-fossil fuels refer to energy sources that are not derived from fossilized organic matter such as coal, oil, or natural gas.
- As of June 2025, India’s total installed electricity capacity stands at 484.82 GW, with 50% coming from non-fossil fuel sources, which includes:
- Renewable energy: 184.62 GW (38.08%)
- Large hydropower: 49.38 GW (10.19%)
- Nuclear energy: 8.78 GW (1.81%)

Key Initiatives Driving the Growth of India’s Renewable Energy Capacity:
Deepfakes
16-07-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
Denmark has proposed a landmark copyright amendment to ban the sharing of deepfakes without consent, protecting individuals’ voices, faces, and likenesses.
- The proposed law treats realistic deepfakes as copyright violations, gives individuals control over their digital likeness for 50 years after death, and requires platforms to remove such content or face penalties.
What are Deepfakes?
- About: Deepfakes are synthetic media (videos, images, or audio) that are digitally altered using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make it look like someone said or did something they never actually did. They blur the line between reality and manipulation.
- Technology Used: Deepfakes are powered by deep learning, a subset of machine learning, which itself is a subset of AI.
- They're created using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), where two neural networks (a generator and a discriminator) work together to create and refine fake content.
- GANs use real data to recreate faces, voices, or movements. A generator makes fake content, and a discriminator tries to detect it. The generator improves until it can fool the discriminator,
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) is used for cloning voices. Lip-syncing techniques align deepfake audio with video.
- Common Types:
- Face swaps: Replace a person’s face in a video with another’s.
- Voice clones: Imitate someone’s voice to say anything.
- Source Video Manipulation: Make someone appear to do or say things they never did.
- Detection:
- Clues: unnatural blinking, facial distortions, mismatched audio, lighting glitches.
- Tools: Adobe, Microsoft, Sensity AI, and others offer deepfake detection software.
- Social media platforms are beginning to flag or remove malicious deepfakes.
How has India Dealt with Deepfakes?
- India doesn’t have a dedicated law for deepfakes, but several existing laws offer partial protection.
- Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”): Section 66D of IT Act, targets impersonation and cheating via digital means.
- Further, Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act can be used to prosecute individuals for publishing or transmitting deepfakes that are obscene or contain any sexually explicit acts.
- IT Rules, 2021: Require platforms to remove impersonation or morphed content when alerted quickly or lose their safe harbour’ protection (a provision that protects social media companies from regulatory liability for third-party content shared by users on their platforms).
- Copyright Act, 1957: The Copyright Act, 1957 can be applied if deepfakes use copyrighted images or videos without permission. It bars the unauthorised use of any content over which someone holds exclusive rights.
- Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): Issued advisories on deepfake threats and measures that need to be followed to stay protected against.
- Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C): Assists law enforcement agencies in effectively tackling cybercrimes, including deepfakes.
- Judicial Interventions:
- Anil Kapoor’s Case (2023): Delhi High Court (HC) granted an ex-parte, omnibus injunction restraining from using Anil Kapoor’s name, image, or traits (like dialogue phrases) through AI or morphing for commercial gain.
- The court held that his personality rights (including name, likeness, and image) deserve protection not just for his own sake, but also for the dignity of his family and friends.
- Mr.Shivaji Rao Gaikwad (Rajnikanth) vs M/S.Varsha Productions (2015): The Madras High Court granted an injunction restraining the use of Rajnikanth’s name, image, caricature, and dialogue style in the film Main Hoon Rajnikanth, recognizing his personality rights as a celebrity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
- Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
- Create meaningful short stories and songs
- Disease diagnosis
- Text-to-Speech Conversion
- Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
SC Affirms Spectrum as Public Resource
16-02-2026
Source: TH
The Supreme Court of India has clarified that telecom spectrum is a public resource owned by the Union of India and cannot be treated as a corporate asset of Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for sale or restructuring under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
- Limited Privilege: Spectrum (refers to the specific frequency bands used for communication via satellites) is granted as a limited, conditional, and revocable privilege to use, not as a proprietary interest.
- This right is subject to statutory requirements, license conditions, and overriding public interest.
- The Court clarified that licensing rights recorded as intangible assets in financial statements do not equate to ownership.
- Spectrum licensing merely represents control over future economic benefits, whereas the legal title vests exclusively with the Union of India.
- Exclusion from IBC: The judgment held that the IBC excludes assets over which a corporate debtor has no ownership rights.
- Since TSPs do not own the legal title to spectrum, it cannot be included in the pool of assets for insolvency resolution or liquidation.
- Supremacy of Telecom Laws: The Court noted that the statutory regime under IBC cannot restructure rights and liabilities of spectrum usage, which operate under the exclusive legal regime of the Telecommunications Act, of 2023 and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
- Public Trust Doctrine: Reaffirming that the State acts as a trustee for the people, the Court emphasized that spectrum management must subserve the common good and adhere to Article 14 (Fairness and Transparency).
- Significance: This ruling is a significant setback for financial creditors (like SBI) who sought to monetize spectrum rights to recover loans.
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) now has the path clear to reclaim airwaves from defaulting operators like Aircel and RCom.
Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme
16-01-2026
Source:BL
Why in News?
Data from the Controller General of Accounts show severe underutilisation of funds under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS), pointing to weaknesses in the scheme’s design, demand, and implementation barely a year after its launch.
What is the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS)?
- About: The PMIS, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, announced in the Union Budget 2024–25, aims to provide one crore internship opportunities over five years in top 500 companies to enhance the employability of youth aged 21–24 years.
- Benefits: The scheme offers a Minimum Stipend of Rs 5,000 per month, a One-Time Grant of Rs 6,000, and Insurance Coverage under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, along with exposure to diverse sectors and leading companies.
- Internship Duration: The internship lasts 12 months, with at least half of the period spent in real workplace or job-based experience, not classroom training.
- Eligibility: Candidates must be 21–24 years old, possess Minimum Class 10 Qualification or above (ITI, Polytechnic, Graduation etc.), and should not be engaged in Full-Time Employment or Regular Education (distance or online education allowed).
- Ineligible Candidates: Graduates from IITs, IIMs, NLUs, IISERs, holders of professional or postgraduate degrees (CA, CMA, CS, MBA, MBBS, etc.), candidates trained under National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)/ National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS).
- Income of any family member exceeds Rs 8 lakh for FY 2023-24 , families with regular government employees, and applicants already in any government skill, apprenticeship, or internship programme are ineligible.
- Significance: PMIS aims to enhance employability by providing structured, real-world industry exposure to youth.
- Bridge the education–industry gap through hands-on training in top companies.
- Expand access to internships beyond elite institutions and urban centres.
- Support youth from low-income households with financial assistance during internships.
- Build a skilled workforce aligned with industry needs and national economic growth.
What are the Key Concerns Regarding the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS)?
- Severe Underutilisation of Funds: As of November 2025, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has spent only about 4% of its FY26 budget, despite an allocation of over Rs 11,500 crore, of which around 94% was earmarked for PMIS.
- This sharp underspending reflects weak uptake of the scheme and a clear gap between budgetary intent and execution capacity.
- Low Acceptance Rates: Despite high application numbers, less than one-third of internship offers are accepted, suggesting the scheme does not adequately meet candidate expectations.
- The mismatch between applicant preferences and internship locations or roles points to flaws in design and coordination.
- Poor Completion Numbers: Very few interns have completed the programme, raising concerns about retention, quality of engagement, and institutional support.
- Inadequate Financial Incentive: The Rs 5,000 monthly stipend is insufficient to cover basic living costs, reducing the scheme’s attractiveness, especially in urban centres.
- Credibility Gap: The sharp contrast between the ambitious target of one crore internships and weak pilot outcomes risks undermining policy credibility.
What are India's Major Skill Development Initiatives?
- Skill India Mission: A flagship initiative to skill, reskill, and upskill youth through industry-relevant training. It focuses on employability, entrepreneurship, and future-ready skills, with over 6 crore individuals trained, including in AI, robotics, green energy, and Industry 4.0.
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Launched in 2015, PMKVY provides free, short-term skill training to enhance employability.
- Across four phases, it has trained over 1.63 crore candidates (as of July 2025), with a focus on reskilling, upskilling, and recognition of prior learning.
- Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS): A community-based vocational programme for non-literates, neo-literates, and school dropouts, offering flexible and low-cost training.
- Over 26 lakh beneficiaries were trained between FY 2018–19 and 2023–24.
- Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS): Aims to expand apprenticeships by providing 25% stipend support through DBT to youth aged 14–35.
- As of May 2025, 43.47 lakh apprentices have been engaged across States and UTs.
- Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes (RSETIs): Bank-led residential training centres focused on entrepreneurship and self-employment for rural youth.
- RSETIs trained over 5.67 million candidates as of June 2025.
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY): A demand-driven, placement-linked skilling scheme under NRLM targeting rural youth unemployment.
- It promotes wage employment and inclusive rural development.
- PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Launched in 2023 to support traditional artisans and craftspeople in 18 trades.
- PM Vishwakarma Yojana provides skill training, toolkits, collateral-free credit, digital incentives, and market linkages.
- Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): A technology-enabled platform using Aadhaar-based verification for skilling delivery.
- SIDH supports real-time monitoring and integrates skilling with education and entrepreneurship systems.
- Centres of Excellence at NSTIs: Established in 2025 at Hyderabad and Chennai to strengthen advanced skilling. They focus on instructor training and emerging areas such as AI, robotics, and green technologies.
What Measures can Strengthen the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS)?
- Recalibrate Stipend Using Living-Cost Benchmarks: Drawing from Germany’s dual vocational training system and India’s NAPS, stipends should be region-linked to minimum living costs to improve offer acceptance and completion rates.
- Mandate Learning Outcomes and Certification: PMIS internships should have predefined skill outcomes and end with nationally recognised certification aligned with NSQF, ensuring internships translate into measurable employability.
- Strengthen Industry Accountability: Since companies are selected based on CSR spending, PMIS should require outcome reporting (completion, skill acquisition, placement) as part of CSR disclosures, similar to social audit norms under Indian welfare schemes.
- Improve Candidate–Company Matching Using Skill Mapping: Lessons from Skill India Digital platforms show that poor matching reduces retention.
- PMIS should integrate skill profiling, location preference, and sector fit before offers are made.
- Following practices under NATS and international youth employment programmes, companies should receive incentives for high completion rates and post-internship hiring.
- Decentralise Outreach Through Local Institutions: Use ITIs, polytechnics, and district employment offices, as done under PMKVY, to expand awareness beyond urban and elite institutions.
Conclusion
The PMIS has strong intent but weak execution, as reflected in low fund utilisation and poor participation outcomes. Gaps in stipend levels, and internship quality have limited its impact so far. Course correction is needed to turn scale into meaningful employability gains.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
How can India integrate internships, apprenticeships, and formal skilling into a coherent employability framework?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS)?
PMIS is a Ministry of Corporate Affairs scheme launched in Budget 2024–25 to provide one crore internships in top companies over five years to improve youth employability.
2. Who is eligible for PMIS?
Youth aged 21–24 years with minimum Class 10 qualification, not in full-time employment or regular education, are eligible.
3. What are the key benefits under PMIS?
A Rs 5,000 monthly stipend, a one-time Rs 6,000 grant, insurance coverage, and 12 months of industry exposure.
4. What are the major concerns with PMIS implementation?
Severe underutilisation of funds, low offer acceptance, poor completion rates, and inadequate financial incentives.
5. How can PMIS be strengthened?
By revising stipends, mandating skill certification, improving candidate–company matching, strengthening CSR accountability, and decentralising outreach.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: (2018)
- It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, and financial and digital literacy.
- It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (2016)
India–Israel Joint Ministerial Declaration on Fisheries and Aquaculture
16-01-2026
Source:PIB
At the 2nd Global Summit on “Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026”, India and Israel signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent to deepen cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.
- Declaration on Fisheries and Aquaculture: It provides a comprehensive framework to deepen bilateral cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
- The Declaration prioritises joint research and innovation in advanced aquaculture systems such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc, cage culture, aquaponics, mariculture, and seaweed cultivation, along with genetic improvement, broodstock development, and pathogen-free seed production to enhance productivity and resilience.
- It stresses sustainable fishing, capacity building, and trade facilitation, and the creation of Indo–Israel Centres of Excellence, strengthening the Blue Economy and food security of both nations.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture: India is the second-largest fish producer in the world after China, contributing about 8% of global fish production.
- Fish production rose sharply to 184.02 lakh tonnes in 2023–24, nearly doubling from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013–14, driven mainly by inland fisheries and aquaculture.
- The Blue Revolution (launched in 2015–16) laid the foundation for sectoral growth, while the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020, aims to reform the value chain, enhance production, and improve the socio-economic welfare of fishers and fish farmers.
MS Sahoo Committee for NPS Reforms
16-01-2026
Source: Mint
Why in News?
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has established a high-level committee to design a regulatory framework for assured payouts under the National Pension System (NPS), aiming to address post-retirement income certainty.
- In a separate development, PFRDA has issued the NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines 2025, providing comprehensive information on the NPS Vatsalya.
What are the Key Facts Regarding the Newly Constituted Committee on NPS?
- About: It is a 15-member panel headed by MS Sahoo, former chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). It is constituted as a standing advisory committee on structured pension payouts and can invite external specialists for consultation.
- Objectives: The primary objective is to formulate guidelines for legally enforceable, market-based guarantees under the NPS.
- This involves defining key parameters like lock-in periods and pricing, establishing risk management norms with capital requirements, and examining tax implications for in-system payouts.
- Significance: It marks a shift from exit flexibility to income certainty in retirement, addressing a key gap in India's pension system. This aims to boost confidence in long-term savings and strengthen financial security, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision for financial independence in old age.
National Pension System (NPS)
- About: Introduced on 1st January 2004, NPS is a market-linked, contributory pension scheme designed to provide individuals with a retirement income, replacing the Old Pension System (OPS).
- Working of NPS: Administered by the PFRDA under the PFRDA Act, 2013, NPS is funded jointly by the employee and the government. Employees contribute 10% of their basic pay and dearness allowance, matched by a 14% contribution from the government.
- Subscribers can select from various schemes, pension fund managers, and private companies to invest their contributions. Unlike OPS, NPS does not offer an assured pension.
- Need for NPS: The previous OPS was unfunded, lacking a dedicated corpus, which caused government pension liabilities to balloon from Rs 3,272 crore (1990-91) to over Rs 1.9 lakh crore (2020-21), creating an unsustainable fiscal burden.
- Transition to UPS: Faced with opposition due to lower guaranteed returns and employee contributions compared to OPS, the government formed the Somanathan Committee in 2023. Its recommendations have led to the new Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), shifting the focus toward greater income certainty in retirement
What is NPS Vatsalya?
- About: NPS Vatsalya is a dedicated, long-term contributory savings scheme under the NPS designed exclusively for the financial security of minors. It aims to nurture a culture of savings and financial literacy from an early age.
- Eligibility and Operational Features: Open to all Indian citizens, including NRI/OCI, below 18 years, with the minor as the sole beneficiary.
- The account is opened in the minor's name but operated by a parent/legal guardian.
- The minimum initial and annual contribution is Rs 250, with no upper limit; contributions can also be gifted.
- Flexibility and Withdrawal Provisions: Allows partial withdrawals after 3 years for specific purposes like education and medical treatment, limited to 25% of the minor's own contributions.
- Transition Upon Attaining Majority: Between 18 and 21 years, the subscriber can continue with NPS Vatsalya, shift to the standard NPS Tier I, or exit.
- Exit rules mandate using a minimum 20% of the corpus to purchase an annuity, with full withdrawal permitted if the total corpus is Rs 8 lakh or less.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the MS Sahoo committee?
The committee is tasked with formulating guidelines for legally enforceable, market-based guaranteed payouts under NPS to enhance income certainty after retirement.
2. How does NPS differ from the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?
Unlike OPS, NPS is market-linked, contributory, and does not offer an assured pension, with contributions from both the employee (10%) and government (14%).
3. Who is eligible for NPS Vatsalya?
All Indian citizens, including NRI/OCI, below 18 years, with the minor as the sole beneficiary, operated by a parent or legal guardian.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? (2017)
(a) Resident Indian citizens only
(b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only
(c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments
(d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004
Ans (c)
Q. Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
- It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganised sector workers.
- Only one member of a family can join the scheme.
- Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after the subscriber's death.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
SC Declares Involuntary Narco Test as Unconstitutional
15-12-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has ruled that any forced or involuntary narco test is unconstitutional, setting aside a 2025 Patna High Court order that allowed such a test in Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2025).
Summary
- The SC has held that forced narco tests are unconstitutional, reaffirming protections against self-incrimination and violations of personal liberty under Articles 20(3) and 21.
- The ruling strengthens ethical standards, consent requirements, and limits the evidentiary value of such investigative techniques in India’s criminal justice system.
What is a Narco Test?
- About: A narco test is an investigative technique in which the accused is administered sedative drugs such as barbiturates (a class of sedative-hypnotic drugs) like Sodium Pentothal to lower inhibitions.
- The aim is to extract concealed information by reducing reasoning and conscious control.
- It is considered a non-violent investigative method, similar to polygraph and brain-mapping tests.
- Forced Narco Tests: They violate individual autonomy, a core principle of natural justice, and ethical philosophy, including Immanuel Kant’s ideas, holds that actions without consent are morally invalid.
- In a democratic criminal justice system, justice requires balancing victims’ rights with the rights of the accused, and any compromise of protection against self-incrimination and personal liberty undermines constitutional morality.
- Constitutional Protections:
- Article 20(3): Protection against self-incrimination and no accused can be compelled to testify against oneself.
- Article 21: Guarantees life, personal liberty, and the right to privacy, and any such test without the express consent of the person (accused) would violate it.
- A democratic criminal justice system must balance victims’ rights with the accused’s rights.
- Article 21, along with Articles 14 and 19, forms the Golden Triangle of the Constitution, as held in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978).
- Any violation of the Right to Privacy therefore amounts to a violation of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, disrupting this core constitutional framework.
- Legal Provisions: A person may voluntarily opt for a narco test at the defence stage under Section 253 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. However, there is no absolute or indefeasible right to demand such a test.
- Judicial Pronouncements:
- Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010): SC held that narco tests without free consent are unconstitutional; results are not admissible as evidence.
- Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2025): SC struck down forced narco testing.
- Manoj Kumar Saini v. State of MP (2023) and Vinobhai v. State of Kerala (2025): SC held that narco test results do not prove guilt and require corroboration with independent evidence and such tests cannot be treated as substantive evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a narco test?
A narco test is an investigative technique where sedative drugs like barbiturates (e.g., Sodium Pentothal) are administered to lower inhibitions and extract information.
2. Why are forced narco tests unconstitutional?
They violate Article 20(3) by compelling self-incrimination and breach Article 21 by infringing personal liberty and the right to privacy.
3. What did the Supreme Court hold in Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010)?
The Court ruled that narco tests without free and informed consent are unconstitutional and their results are inadmissible as evidence.
4. Is voluntary narco testing legally allowed?
Yes, a person may voluntarily opt for a narco test at the defence stage under Section 253 of BNSS, but there is no absolute right to demand it.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India? (2021)
(a) Article 15
(b) Article 19
(c) Article 21
(d) Article 29
Ans:C
Anti-dumping Duty
15-11-2025
Source: BS
India has imposed a five-year anti-dumping duty on hot-rolled steel imports from Vietnam after investigations confirmed that unfairly low-priced imports were harming the domestic steel industry.
- The decision follows Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) findings confirming that Vietnamese steel was dumped below normal value, causing injury to Indian producers. Stainless steel hot-rolled products are excluded from the duty.
- In India, anti-dumping cases are investigated by the DGTR under the Ministry of Commerce, while the Finance Ministry imposes the duty.
- Anti-dumping Duty: It is a protective tariff imposed on imports that are priced lower than their normal value in the exporting country.
- Its primary purpose is to shield domestic industries from harm caused by unfairly priced foreign imports.
- India is one of the largest users of anti-dumping duties in the world, most of which have been imposed on Chinese imports.
- World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, through Article 6 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (1994), permit member countries to impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties under specific and strictly regulated conditions.
- Anti-dumping Duty Vs Countervailing Duty (CVD):

Unlocking India’s Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries
15-10-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
NITI Aayog has released a comprehensive report titled “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries”, outlining a roadmap to sustainably unlock the vast potential of India’s marine resources, and strengthen the Blue Economy.
What are the Key Highlights of NITI Aayog’s Report on India’s Blue Economy?
- Unlocking India’s Untapped Marine Potential: India is the second-largest fish-producing nation, contributing 8% of global fish output. Fisheries support around 30 million livelihoods in the country. In FY 2023–24, fishery products exports earned Rs 60,523 crore.
- Despite this, deep-sea resources beyond the continental shelf remain largely unexploited.
- India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 2 million sq. km holds an estimated potential yield of 7.16 million tonnes.
- Harnessing these resources can reduce pressure on coastal fisheries, boost exports, and create employment.
- Roadmap for Harnessing India’s Fisheries: The NITI Aayog report envisions a three-phase roadmap to unlock India’s deep-sea fisheries potential through policy reform, technology, infrastructure, and sustainable practices.
- Phase 1 (2025–28) (Foundation and early growth): It focuses on setting up strong policy frameworks, building capacity through training and modern infrastructure, and launching pilot projects to test deep-sea fishing models.
- Phase 2 (2029–32) (Scaling up and achieving global competitiveness): Aims to expand fleets, upgrade harbours and processing facilities, and strengthen India’s presence in global seafood markets through innovation and sustainability.
- Phase 3 (2033 onwards) (Global leadership in sustainable deep-sea fisheries): It envisions India emerging as a world leader in sustainable deep-sea fisheries by promoting high-value products, ecosystem-based management, and international collaborations.

What are the Key Challenges in India’s Deep-sea and Offshore Fisheries Highlighted by NITI Aayog?
- Lack of Scientific Stock Assessment: Inadequate data and limited use of modern tools like remote sensing, sonar, and AI for mapping deep-sea resources can lead to overfishing and unsustainable exploitation of marine resources.
- Overfishing, bycatch, and marine pollution threaten ecosystem health and can cause long-term decline of fish stocks and marine biodiversity.
- Weak Infrastructure: Poor harbour facilities, insufficient landing centres, and limited cold chain and processing capacity cause post-harvest losses, reduced fish quality, and lower export potential.
- Technological Gaps: Most vessels lack modern fish-finding equipment, vessel monitoring systems (VMS), and selective fishing gear leading to inefficient fishing, high bycatch, and compromised sustainability.
- Limited Access to Finance: Fisher cooperatives and small operators face difficulties getting institutional credit or insurance coverage resulting in underinvestment in technology and risk mitigation.
- Current subsidies and schemes are fragmented and not designed for deep-sea operations leading to slow adoption of green technologies and fleet modernisation.
- Outdated Legal Framework: Existing laws regulate only coastal waters up to 12 nautical miles, leaving deep-sea areas poorly governed which creates loopholes and weak enforcement of sustainable fishing.
- Limited vessel tracking, lack of observer programs, and poor coordination among enforcement agencies allow illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to persist.
- Cross-border fishing and weak surveillance in sensitive maritime zones pose risks to maritime security and the safety of fishers.
- Fragmented policy alignment with SDGs: Lack of integration between fisheries policies and global sustainability goals such as SDG 14 (Life Below Water) hampers holistic development and conservation of marine resources.
What are the Recommendations of NITI Aayog for India’s Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries?
- Policy & Regulation: Establish a dedicated legal framework aligned with international standards (UNCLOS). Streamline licensing, registration, access policies, and incentives to ensure sustainable and inclusive fishing.
- Empower institutions for effective monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS&E).
- Institutional Strengthening & Capacity Building: Create a dedicated agency or directorate under the Department of Fisheries for deep-sea governance.
- Enhance research, data collection, stock assessments, and advisory services with specialized vessels and infrastructure.
- Promote export-oriented cooperatives to leverage collective resources and market power.
- Fleet Modernisation & Infrastructure: Support modern vessels with refrigeration, onboard processing, and eco-friendly technology.
- Upgrade deep-sea fishing harbours, landing centres, cold chains, and post-harvest infrastructure. Promote collective ownership models for small-scale fishers through cooperatives and clusters.
- Sustainable Fisheries Management: Implement marine spatial planning, marine protected areas, and total allowable catch limits.
- Mandate bycatch reduction technologies and habitat protection measures.
- Deploy real-time monitoring, traceability systems, and eco-labeling for sustainable practices.
- Financing & Resource Mobilisation: Establish a Deep-Sea Fishing Development Fund through Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and industry contributions. Encourage public-private partnerships in vessels and infrastructure development.
- Explore soft loans or viability gap funding for green technologies.
- Implementation Mechanism: Launch a Deep-Sea Fishing Program (DSFP) with a dedicated Programme Management Unit. Establish an advisory council of maritime states and relevant agencies for guidance and monitoring.
Conclusion
In line with PMMSY and SDG 14, NITI Aayog’s recommendations aim to ensure sustainable growth, ecosystem conservation, and inclusive development in India’s deep-sea and offshore fisheries.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the potential of India’s deep-sea and offshore fisheries and discuss the challenges in harnessing these resources sustainably.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
The EEZ is a maritime zone up to 200 nautical miles from the coast, where a country has rights to explore, use, and manage resources like fisheries, oil, and minerals.
2. What is the estimated potential yield of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
India’s EEZ spans over 2 million sq. km with an estimated potential yield of 7.16 million tonnes, highlighting untapped deep-sea resources.
3. What are the key challenges in India’s deep-sea and offshore fisheries?
Challenges include lack of scientific stock assessment, weak infrastructure, technological gaps, high operational costs, limited finance, outdated legal frameworks, unsustainable fishing, and weak monitoring.
4. How does NITI Aayog propose to modernise India’s fishing fleet and infrastructure?
Through support for modern vessels with refrigeration, onboard processing, deep-sea harbours, landing centres, cold chains, and cooperative-based ownership models.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which one of the following is a filter feeder? (2021)
(a) Catfish
(b) Octopus
(c) Oyster
(d) Pelican
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (2018)
Great Nicobar Island Project
15-09-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project has drawn attention as one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure plans in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Despite environmental concerns, the project is crucial for turning Great Nicobar into a global maritime hub while considering ecology and tribal welfare.
What is the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project?
- About: The GNI Project, conceived by NITI Aayog and launched in 2021, aims to build an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), a greenfield international airport, a township, and a gas–solar power plant.
- Strategic Significance:
- Transshipment Hub: The ICTT reduces India’s reliance on foreign ports like Singapore and Colombo, integrating India into global supply chains.
- Greenfield Airport: Enhances civilian connectivity, tourism, and dual-use defence capability.
- Strategic Positioning Advantage: Nicobar’s location near the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits allows India to monitor vital sea lanes for global trade and energy supply.
- Great Nicobar’s location gives India proximity to Sabang (Indonesia), Coco Island (Myanmar), and the proposed Kra Canal (Thailand), underscoring its central role in Indo-Pacific sea routes.
- Great Nicobar lies almost equidistant from Colombo, Port Klang, and Singapore, placing India at the centre of regional sea trade.
- Maritime Security: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands serve as India’s first line of maritime defence and share sea boundaries with Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, giving India a vast exclusive economic zone and continental shelf under United Nations Conference on the Laws of the Sea, 1982 (UNCLOS).
- GNI strengthens India’s naval reach in the Indo-Pacific, countering piracy, trafficking, terrorism, and great-power rivalries.
- Positions India as a proactive maritime power amidst rising presence of China and other navies in the IOR.
- Policy Alignment: Supports Act East Policy (2014) and the QUAD’s Indo-Pacific strategy, strengthening India’s role in regional security.

- Tribal Safeguards: Large-scale development in GNI is permitted only after consultations with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Directorate of Tribal Welfare and Andaman Adim Janjati VikasSamiti (AAJVS), as mandated by the Jarawa Policy (2004) and Shompen Policy (2015).
- Environmental Safeguards: The Project incorporates strict environmental safeguards, following the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, and based on detailed EIAs and an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
- To protect wildlife, 8 corridors have been planned to ensure the safe movement of arboreal animals, snakes, crabs, and crocodiles, minimizing ecological disruption during development.
- To compensate for tree felling caused by the GNI project, compensatory afforestation is planned in Haryana, as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands already have over 75% forest cover.

Great Nicobar Island
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise 836 islands, divided by the Ten Degree Channel into the Andamans (north) and Nicobars (south).
- Great Nicobar, the largest Nicobar island (910 sq km of rainforest). It hosts Indira Point, India’s southernmost tip, just 90 nautical miles from Sumatra (Indonesia).
- Great Nicobar has two national parks, a biosphere reserve, small populations of the Shompen and Nicobarese tribal peoples, and a few thousand non-tribal settlers.
- Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve was included in the list of Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program of UNESCO in 2013.
Conclusion
The Great Nicobar Island Project is not merely an infrastructure plan but a strategic-economic multiplier. It secures India’s maritime future, reduces logistical dependence on foreign ports, and unlocks regional growth, thereby positioning India as a major player in the Indo-Pacific.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the role of the Great Nicobar Island Project in India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and its alignment with the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
|
Great Nicobar Project | Andaman & Nicobar | Environmental Concern | Indepth | Drishti IAS English
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)
- The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
- Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
- The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3
Ans: (a)
Q. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? (2014)
(a) Andaman and Nicobar
(b) Nicobar and Sumatra
(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep
(d) Sumatra and Java
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. Environmental impact assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before the project is cleared by the government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal- fired thermal plants located at Pitheads.(2023)
Source Code of Smartphones
15-01-2026
Source:TH
The Union government and the MAIT (Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology) (apex body representing India's electronics & ICT hardware sector) have refuted reports claiming that smartphone manufacturers would be required to disclose their source code, clarifying that no such demand is under consideration.
- Source Code: It is the fundamental set of programmed instructions that controls a smartphone’s operating system, hardware functions, and applications, enabling the device to run securely and efficiently.
- While parts of Android are open-source, manufacturers add proprietary modifications and hardware-specific adaptations.
- However, the source code is kept confidential because it protects commercial secrets and acts as a critical security barrier, preventing misuse and exploitation.
- Limitations of Source Code Disclosure: Full source code disclosure is rare globally, except in limited defence contexts.
- Revealing internal code can increase vulnerability to cyberattacks and data breaches.
- Even global firms like Apple do not share full source code with governments.
- Regulation of Source Code: No law mandates public disclosure of source code by private companies in India.
- Earlier telecom-related standards, including the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR), 2023 issued by the National Centre for Communication Security (NCSS) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which mentioned source code disclosure, were amended in 2025 to remove such provisions.
- Earlier, smartphones were covered under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) framework, which stems from the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.
- Policy oversight follows a consultative, non-intrusive approach, now any security review requires only internal test reports excluding intellectual property (IP).
- The framework balances cybersecurity, ease of doing business, and IP protection, in line with global practices.
Ammonium Nitrate
14-11-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
A blast near Delhi’s Red Fort has put “Ammonium Nitrate” in the spotlight, as investigators suspect the chemical may have been used in the explosion by a “white-collar” terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed.
What is Ammonium Nitrate?
- About: Pure ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a white, crystalline, water-soluble, nitrogen-rich compound made by reacting ammonia with nitric acid, and it melts at about 170°C.
- The substance is classified as an oxidising agent. It is one of the base ingredients used in the manufacture of commercial explosives.
- It is classified as a dual-use substance, meaning it has legitimate industrial uses but can also be weaponised.
- Legitimate Uses of Ammonium Nitrate: In agriculture, it is widely used as a nitrogen fertilizer due to its high nutrient content.
- It is used for controlled blasting in quarries and excavation projects, and also forms a key component of various emulsions and gels used in mining-grade explosives.
- Weaponization of Ammonium Nitrate: Pure ammonium nitrate is not explosive by itself and is classified as an oxidiser under United Nations classification of dangerous goods.
- It becomes volatile when combined with fuel oil, potassium chlorate, sulphur or other accelerants. This mixture creates ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil), a commonly used explosive.
- However, ANFO cannot detonate on its own, it requires a trigger such as a detonator, often initiated with primary explosives like RDX or TNT.
- ANFO is frequently used by terror groups to make Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
- Ammonium Nitrate has been repeatedly exploited in major terror attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama attack and multiple Indian Mujahideen strikes between 2000 and 2011 in Mumbai and Delhi.
- Regulation: All activities (manufacture, conversion, bagging, import, export, transport, possession, sale, and use) are governed under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012.
- Storage of large quantities in populated areas is prohibited under these rules.
- A separate Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-issued licence under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012 is required for carrying out any activity involving ammonium nitrate.
- Industrial licence under the Industrial Development and Regulation Act, 1951 is mandatory for manufacturing ammonium nitrate.
- Any mixture containing over 45% ammonium nitrate (including emulsions, suspensions, melts, or gels) is legally classified as an explosive under the Explosives Act, 1884.
- However, this does not apply to fertilisers from which ammonium nitrate cannot be extracted by physical or chemical methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is ammonium nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a nitrogen-rich oxidiser used as fertilizer and in controlled blasting; mixed with fuel oil it forms ANFO, a commonly weaponised IED component, making it a high-risk dual-use chemical.
2. Which laws and agencies regulate ammonium nitrate in India?
Activities involving ammonium nitrate are regulated under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, the Explosives Act, 1884, and manufacture also requires industrial licence under the Industrial Development & Regulation Act, 1951.
3. When is an ammonium nitrate mixture legally treated as an explosive?
Any mixture (emulsion, gel, melt, suspension) containing over 45% ammonium nitrate is legally classified as an explosive under the Explosives Act, 1884, and attracts stricter controls.
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001
14-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India marked the Silver Jubilee of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001 and the 21st Foundation Day of PPV&FRA with the Plant Genome Saviour Awards Ceremony in New Delhi.
- The award honours individuals who conserve and preserve the genetic diversity of economically important plants and their wild relatives.
What is the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001?
- About: The PPV&FR Act, 2001 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, establishes a sui generis system for protecting plant varieties.
- The Act provides legal recognition to both commercial plant breeders and farmers, promoting conservation and improvement of plant genetic resources.
- It also aligns with India's TRIPS obligations and the International Union for Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV Convention) addressing the country's agricultural needs.
- Rights under the Act:
- Breeders’ Rights: Breeders get exclusive rights to produce, sell, market, distribute, import, or export protected varieties. They may appoint agents or licensees and can seek legal action for infringement.
- Researchers’ Rights: Researchers may use any registered variety for experiments or to develop new varieties but repeated use needs prior permission of the registered breeder.
- Farmers’ Rights: Under the act, a farmer who has evolved or developed a new variety is entitled to register it and receive protection in the same manner as a breeder.
- A farmer can continue to save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share, or sell his farm produce, including seed, even if the variety is protected under the PPV&FR Act, but he cannot sell it as branded seed.
- Implementing Authority: Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) is the primary body responsible for the implementation of the Act.
- Significance: The act promotes agricultural innovation while ensuring seed sovereignty for farmers.
- It protects traditional knowledge and rewards community conservation efforts.
- It supports both public and private sector plant breeding institutions and enhances India's compliance with global IPR norms without compromising food and livelihood security.
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA)
- About: The PPV&FRA was formally set up on 11 November 2005 is a statutory body established under the PPV&FRA, 2001, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. It is headquartered in New Delhi.
- Composition: The Authority is led by a Chairperson and has 15 members. The Registrar General serves as the ex-officio Member Secretary.
- Objectives: The PPV&FRA provides breeders’ rights, rewards farmers for conserving traditional varieties, protects farmers’ rights to use and share farm-saved seed, supports research and innovation.
- It maintains the National Register of Plant Varieties, helping preserve biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the PPV&FRA Act, 2001?
The PPV&FRA Act, 2001 is a sui generis law that provides intellectual property protection to plant breeders while formally recognising farmers’ rights to save, use, exchange and sell farm-saved seed and register farmer-developed varieties.
2. Who implements the PPV&FRA and what is its function?
The Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), headquartered in New Delhi, implements the Act, maintains the National Register of Plant Varieties and adjudicates rights, benefit-sharing and registrations.
3. What rights does a breeder get under the Act?
Registered breeders obtain exclusive rights to produce, sell, market, distribute, import or export the protected variety and can license or take legal action against infringement.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)
- According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India.
- In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate Board.
- Plant varieties are not eligible to be patented in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
National Household Income Survey (NHIS) 2026
14-10-2025
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) plans to launch the National Household Income Survey (NHIS) in February 2026.
- NHIS 2026 will be the first-ever pan-India household income survey. This survey will enable inter-personal income comparisons and detailed analysis of income sources, addressing a long-standing data gap in India’s socio-economic statistics.
- Purpose: NHIS 2026 aims to capture living conditions, income and expenditure patterns, and provide critical data for rebasing the Consumer Price Index (CPI), preparing National Accounts, and conducting poverty and hardship analysis.
- The National Statistics Office (NSO) under MoSPI has conducted large-scale household surveys since 1950.
- The National Sample Survey (NSS) provides key official statistics on household welfare, consumption, employment, health, assets, and indebtedness, supporting evidence-based policymaking.
- Global Context: Countries like the US, Canada, UK, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, and Malaysia already collect household income data through surveys. The NHIS will bring India in line with these international best practices.
Negotiations for India-Oman CEPA Concluded
14-08-2025
Source: ET
India concluded negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman, aimed at boosting trade and investment.
- CEPA is a free trade agreement that encompasses trade in goods and services, along with broader economic cooperation in areas such as trade facilitation, competition policy, and intellectual property rights (IPR).
- It is broader than a standard FTA, also addressing regulatory issues to ensure smooth and predictable trade.
India-Oman Bilateral Relations:
- Strategic Partnership: Oman, bordering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, is a key Gulf partner. Diplomatic relations were established in 1955 which was upgraded to strategic partnership in 2008.
- Trade and Economic Relations: Oman is the third-largest export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for India, following UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Bilateral trade reached USD 10.61 billion (FY 2024-25), with India’s key exports including light oils, rice, machinery, and metals, while imports mainly consisted of crude oil, LNG, fertilizers, and chemicals.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Oman is an important interlocutor in the GCC, Arab League, and IORA.


Fast Track Special Courts
14-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) in Delhi, established under the FTSCs Scheme 2019 for speedy trial of rape and child sexual abuse cases, have disposed of only around 43% of cases as of June 2025.
- This is significant as the slow disposal rate undermines public confidence (despite dedicated mechanisms) in the justice system's ability to swiftly address crimes of such severity.
What is the Fast Track Special Courts Scheme?
- About: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Law & Justice aimed at setting up FTSCs through the Nirbhaya Fund.
- Under the scheme, each FTSC is tasked with disposing of at least 165 cases annually.
- The scheme has been extended twice, with the latest extension valid until 31st March 2026, aiming to establish 790 FTSCs.
- Need of FTSCs:
- Case Backlogs: Alarmed by the large backlog of rape and POCSO cases, the Supreme Court in July 2019 directed districts with over 100 pending POCSO cases to establish exclusive special courts.
- Timely Justice: The POCSO Act, 2012 mandates Special Courts to conclude trials within one year from the date of taking cognizance of the offence.
- Deterrence: Harsh punishment can deter crime, but its effectiveness relies on timely trials and swift justice for victims.
- Performance: As of June 2025, 725 FTSCs (including 392 exclusive POCSO courts) are operational across 29 States/UTs, achieving a 96% disposal rate in 2024 alone.
What are the Challenges in Fast Track Special Courts?
- Insufficient FTSCs: Of the 1,023 sanctioned FTSCs, only around 700 are functional, and as per estimates around 1,000 more are required to clear the backlog.
- Pendency: Case delays persist despite many rape cases being resolvable within two months, as they rarely have eyewitnesses and require minimal cross-examination.
- Quality Concerns: Some critics say FTSCs are a “political gimmick”, as fast-tracking one case delays others by reallocating the same judges.
- Lack of Specialized Support: Many FTSCs lack victim-friendly facilities such as Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers for survivors and female prosecutors or counselors to guide them through the legal process.
What Measures Can Strengthen Fast Track Special Courts?
- Judicial Improvements: Appoint Special Judges for POCSO cases, provide sensitization training, and ensure female public prosecutors.
- Victim Support Facilities: Set up Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers (VWDCs) in all districts for recording victim statements and holding child-friendly trials in-camera. Deploy child psychologists in FTSCs for pre-trial and trial support as per the FTSCs scheme.
- Technology in Courts: Upgrade courtrooms with audio-video recording, LCD projectors, and better IT systems for e-filing and digital records.
- Forensic Strengthening: Expand forensic labs and train staff to clear pending cases faster and deliver timely DNA reports for speedy justice.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the key challenges faced by FTSCs and suggest measures to enhance their efficiency and victim sensitivity.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Mains
Q. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. (2016)
Q. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest Some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (2014)
Declining Household Savings & Rising Liabilities
14-07-2025
For Prelims: Inflation, Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme, Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, National Pension System (NPS), Paradox of Savings, FDI, Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), UPI, Jan Dhan, e-RUPI, Inflation-indexed Bonds, Atal Pension Yojana, Sovereign Gold Bonds.
For Mains: Current trend in household savings in India, Implications of low household savings rate and rising household debt, Strategies needed to maintain sustainable household savings & manage debt in India.
Source: BL
Why in News?
India’s household savings pattern is undergoing a significant transformation, raising concerns about long-term economic stability and domestic capital formation.
What is the Current Trend in Household Savings in India?
- Falling Gross Savings Rate: India’s gross domestic savings rate fell from 34.6% of GDP in 2011–12 to 29.7% in 2022–23, marking a four-decade low, while household net savings, which traditionally made up 60% of total savings, have also declined.
- Rising Household Debt: Household liabilities peaked at 6.4% of GDP (FY24), near the 2007 high (6.6%), driven by borrowing for consumption, housing, and education.
- Saving Pattern: Physical savings (gold, real estate) increased from 59.7% in 2019–20 to 71.5% in 2023–24, while financial savings declined from 40.3% to 28.5%.
- Within financial savings, bank deposits dropped from 58% (FY12) to 37% (FY23), while investments in equities, and mutual funds nearly doubled (Rs 1.02 lakh crore in FY21 to Rs 2.02 lakh crore in FY23).
- Urban vs. Rural Divide: Urban households increasingly invest in financial instruments (mutual funds, equities) due to better financial access, while rural households continue to prefer cash and physical assets, highlighting gaps in financial inclusion.
- Post-Pandemic & Inflationary Pressures: While Covid-19 initially boosted savings due to reduced spending, the trend reversed as the economy reopened, with high inflation eroding disposable incomes and low real interest rates making traditional savings like fixed deposits less attractive.
Household Savings and Household Debt
- About: Household savings refer to the portion of a household’s disposable income that is not spent on consumption but is set aside for future use, typically in the form of bank deposits, investments, insurance, or physical assets like gold or property.
- Types: Household (HH) savings in India comprise net financial savings (NFS) and physical savings.
- NFS is calculated by subtracting financial liabilities (annual borrowing) from gross financial savings (GFS), which includes currencies, deposits, insurance, provident and pension funds (P&PF), shares & debentures, small savings, and others.
- Physical savings mainly include residential real estate (about two-thirds) and machinery/equipment owned by HH-sector producers.
- Household Debt: It refers to all household debts (including those of non-profits serving households) that must be repaid with interest or principal to creditors by a set future date.
- Initiatives Related to Household Savings: Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme, Kisan Vikas Patra Scheme, Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, National Pension System (NPS) etc.
What are the Implications of Low Household Savings Rate and Rising Household Debt?
- Reduced Domestic Capital Formation: Reduced household savings, a key source for investment and capital formation, may slow GDP growth and increase dependence on foreign capital (FDI, external borrowing), heightening external vulnerabilities.
- Consumption-Driven Growth: Lower savings reflect higher consumption spending, which can boost short-term demand but reduce long-term investment capacity. It risks debt-fueled growth bubbles like the 2008 US subprime crisis.
- Pressure on Fiscal and Monetary Policy: A fall in private savings may compel the government to boost public savings through higher taxes or spending cuts, while the RBI faces a trade-off—low interest rates discourage savings, whereas high rates raise borrowing costs.
- Rising Household Debt Stress: Rising household debt, especially through unsecured loans, credit cards, and personal loans, increases the risk of loan defaults and potential debt traps if incomes don’t rise proportionally, leading to higher Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).
- Social and Inequality Concerns: Lower savings weaken household emergency resilience and increase reliance on borrowing for essentials, leading to long-term financial instability, while declining provident/pension savings and a shift to market-linked investments raise the risk of retirement insecurity.
Paradox of Savings
- About: The Paradox of Savings (or Paradox of Thrift) is an economic theory that suggests while saving money is good for an individual, if everyone saves more simultaneously, it can hurt the overall economy.
- Key Idea: When households raise savings and cut spending, it reduces aggregate demand, leading to lower production, which prompts businesses to cut jobs and incomes.
- As a result, declining incomes may cause the economy’s overall savings to decrease rather than increase.
- E.g., In a recession, if people fear job losses and save more instead of spending, businesses earn less revenue → lay off workers → unemployment rises → incomes fall → savings shrink.
- Origins and Development of the Theory: The concept was notably popularized by John Maynard Keynes in his influential 1936 work, The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money.
- Keynesian economists argue that consumer spending drives economic growth, and savings are transformed into investments aimed at producing goods for these markets.
- However, if consumer demand is insufficient, it can lead to a decline in such investments, thereby hampering economic growth.
What Strategies can be Adopted to Maintain Sustainable Household Savings in India?
- Improve Financial Literacy & Awareness: Expand financial education programs (schools, SHGs, digital platforms) to teach saving habits, investment risks, and debt management, while promoting low-risk savings instruments (Sukanya Samriddhi, post-office schemes) among low-income households.
- Leverage UPI, Jan Dhan, and e-RUPI for small-ticket savings (e.g., Recurring Deposits via apps).
- Tax & Interest Rate Incentives: Increasing tax deductions for long-term savings, and introducing inflation-indexed bonds can incentivize secure investments, protecting purchasing power, and promoting financial stability.
- Strengthen Social Security Systems: Expand pension coverage (Atal Pension Yojana, NPS) for informal sector workers and offer subsidized retirement plans to reduce old-age dependency risks for low-income groups.
- Responsible Lending Regulations: Implement strict RBI norms on unsecured loans (credit cards, personal loans), including Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio caps and transparent loan pricing, to prevent reckless borrowing and debt traps.
- Impose higher risk weights on luxury loans and promote good debt education, home loans) over bad debt (impulsive spending).
- Encourage Productive Investments: Introduce gold monetization schemes like Sovereign Gold Bonds to unlock idle assets, and implement affordable housing policies to curb real estate speculation.
- Offer tax incentives for long-term equity holdings (extend LTCG benefits), while regulating speculative trading.
Conclusion
India’s declining household savings and rising debt threaten economic stability. To ensure sustainability, policies must boost financial literacy, incentivize savings, regulate reckless lending, and expand social security. Balancing consumption-led growth with prudent savings and debt management is crucial for long-term resilience, inclusive development, and reducing vulnerabilities in an evolving financial landscape.
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Drishti Mains Questions:
India’s declining household savings rate poses risks to long-term economic growth." Analyse the causes and suggest policy measures to revive sustainable savings.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question
Prelims
Q. In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because (2019)
(a) poverty rates vary from State to State
(b) price levels vary from State to State
(c) Gross State Product varies from State to State
(d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State
Ans: (b)
Q. As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households”, consider the following statements: (2018)
- Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agricultural households among its rural households.
- Out of the total agricultural households in the country, a little over 60 percent belong to OBCs.
- In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agricultural households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Among several factors for India’s potential growth, the savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? (2017)
Revamping India’s BFSI Sector
14-06-2025
For Prelims: Reserve Bank of India, Capital formation, Sustainable development,Financial inclusion, Bank privatisation, Equities markets, Corporate bonds
For Mains: State of Banking, Financial, Services and Insurance (BFSI) Sector in India, Challenges Related to BFSI sector, Steps to be Taken to Address Challenges in India’s BFSI Sector
Source: TH
Why in News?
India's Banking, Financial, Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector faces ongoing structural challenges, including fragmented regulations, a shallow corporate bond market, and unregulated shadow banking, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms to strengthen and stabilize the financial system for sustainable growth.
What is the Current Status of India’s BFSI Sector?
- About: The BFSI sector refers to Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance, which collectively form the backbone of a country’s financial infrastructure.
- It includes institutions such as banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), insurance firms, mutual funds, pension funds, and fintech companies that provide financial products and services to individuals and businesses.
- State of India’s BFSI Sector:
- Rapid Expansion and Changing Sector Dynamics: India’s BFSI sector saw a 50-fold surge in market capitalisation, from Rs 1.8 trillion in 2005 to Rs 91 trillion in 2025, with a CAGR of around 22%.
- While banks remain foundational, their share in total market cap dropped from 85% to 57%, as Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and fintechs gained ground through agility, innovation, and targeted financial solutions.
- Rise of Fintechs and NBFCs: Since 2015, the fintech sector has grown exponentially, now valued at over Rs 12 trillion.
- Alongside, NBFCs have expanded significantly, bridging credit gaps for underserved populations, particularly in rural and informal sectors, thereby enhancing financial inclusion.
- Resilience & Financial Strength: The BFSI sector’s contribution to Nifty-50 earnings (share of profits made by companies in the BFSI industry within the total earnings of the top-50 companies listed on the stock market) increased from 16% in FY10 to 33% in FY24, supported by better asset quality, strong credit demand, and lower provisioning.
- By FY24, banks’ net worth reached Rs 26 trillion and NBFCs’ Rs 12.4 trillion, strengthening the sector’s resilience.
What are the Key Challenges Related to India’s BFSI Sector?
- Fragmented Regulatory Framework: India’s BFSI sector faces challenges due to a fragmented regulatory structure, with different regulators like RBI, SEBI, and IRDAI overseeing various segments.
- This leads to overlapping jurisdictions, regulatory gaps, and inconsistent supervision, resulting in compliance complexities and operational inefficiencies for financial institutions.
- The RBI’s directive to the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to build a secondary bond market was ignored, as equity trading offers higher profits—often through opaque algorithmic strategies that have drawn scrutiny.
- Underdeveloped Corporate Bond Market: India’s corporate bond market remains shallow, illiquid, and opaque which keeps the cost of capital high, hampering business viability and economic growth.
- India’s domestic corporate bond market, valued at around Rs 64 trillion, represents only 18–20% of the country’s nominal GDP.
- Opacity in Ownership and UBO Disclosure India faces challenges in ensuring transparency of capital flows and ownership in its financial markets due to lack of effective disclosure of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO).
- Current thresholds for UBO disclosure (10% for companies and 15% for partnerships) allow investors to structure their holdings just below the limit to avoid reporting.
- Investors often keep holdings just below disclosure limits (e.g., 9.9%) to evade UBO rules, hindering SEBI's ability to trace actual control.
- Some Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) resist sharing detailed ownership data, weakening SEBI’s oversight. Despite India’s Financial Action Task Force (FATF) commitments, poor implementation hampers enforcement, transparency, and investor trust.
- Weak Insurance Penetration: Despite rising awareness, insurance penetration in India remains low by global standards. As of 2023, it stood at just 4.2% of GDP, indicating limited coverage and underutilization of insurance as a financial safety net.
- Non-Performing Assets (NPAs): Despite recent declines, Non-Performing Assets remain a key challenge for Indian banks, especially public sector banks. High levels of bad loans constrain their lending capacity to productive sectors.
- Shadow Banking Risks: Shadow banking (where NBFCs, margin lenders, and brokers provide banking-like services without comprehensive regulation), poses a significant threat to India’s financial stability.
- Retail investors frequently end up paying high interest rates (over 20%) on margin loans, as brokers lend back the investor’s own funds and charge interest on the entire amount.
- The scale of such unregulated lending remains unclear to regulators, raising concerns about financial stability akin to the 2008 global financial crisis triggered by unregulated derivatives.
- Cybersecurity Threats: With growing digital adoption in the BFSI sector, cybersecurity risks have intensified. The rise in online banking and digital payments has increased vulnerability to data breaches, fraud, and cyber-attacks.
- In 2024, over 1.35 lakh phishing attacks targeting India’s financial sector were reported by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.
What are the Key Committees Related to Financial Sector Reforms in India?
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Area
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Committee
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Key Focus
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Banking Reforms
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Narasimham Committee
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Banking sector reform, Asset Reconstruction
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Financial Sector Reforms
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Raghuram Rajan Committee
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Overall financial sector reform
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Bank Licensing
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Bimal Jalan Committee
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New bank licenses
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NBFC Regulation
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A.C. Shah Committee
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Regulation of NBFCs
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Cooperative Finance
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R.N. Mirdha Committee
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Cooperative societies
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Marathe Committee
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Licensing of Urban Cooperative Banks
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Banking Technology
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Rangarajan Committee
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Computerization of banks
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NPAs & Credit Issues
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Khanna Committee
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Non-performing assets (NPAs)
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S.S. Kohli Committee
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Willful defaulters
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Financial Inclusion
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Nachiket Mor Committee
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Payment banks
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H.R. Khan Committee
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Business Correspondent (BC) model
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Rural & Priority Sector Banking
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M.L. Dantwala Committee
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Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
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Gadgil Committee
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Lead banking scheme
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Capital Markets & Investment
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Sodhani Committee
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Forex & NRI investments
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Y.V. Reddy Committee
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Small savings reform
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What Measures can be Implemented to Revamp India’s BFSI Sector?
- Development of a Deep Bond Market: India’s corporate bond market, at just 18-20% of GDP, lags significantly behind countries like South Korea (80%) and China (36%).
- Strengthening this market can lower borrowing costs, improve access to long-term capital, and support industrial growth and employment.
- Strengthening KYC and UBO Norms: Ensure accurate and accessible data on ownership and control of financial investments. Enforcing strict KYC and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) compliance by SEBI will curb misuse, enhance transparency, and build investor trust in capital markets.
- Regulating Shadow Banking: Mandate comprehensive data collection and transparency in shadow banking operations, especially among NBFCs, brokers, and margin lenders.
- India should adopt a regulatory approach similar to the European Union’s, using data as a foundation before enforcing tighter oversight.
- Integrated Financial Regulation: India needs harmonised regulation among RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA to address oversight gaps and regulatory inconsistencies.
- Different KYC norms across financial sectors cause inefficiencies and loopholes. A unified framework can enhance regulatory efficiency, transparency, and compliance.
- Improving NPA Resolution Framework: To improve asset quality, NPA resolution must be faster and more efficient.
- Strengthening the IBC with support for quicker resolutions and incentivized asset sales, along with enhancing the capacity of NCLTs and DRTs, can significantly boost recovery rates and reduce the burden on financial institutions.
- Reimagining the Insurance Market: Promote micro-insurance for low-income groups and offer tax incentives to middle-income segments.
- Simplify claim procedures, enhance transparency, and ensure timely settlements to build trust and expand insurance coverage.
- Promoting Digital Transformation & Cybersecurity: As digital adoption grows, strengthening cybersecurity is crucial. Financial institutions should implement robust security frameworks and adopt AI, ML, and blockchain for better fraud detection and efficiency.
- Initiatives like RBI’s Mulehunter.ai highlight the move towards secure and intelligent digital banking.
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Drishti Mains Question:
What are the key factors behind the growth of India’s BFSI sector? Examine the major challenges it faces in ensuring financial stability and inclusive growth.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q1. With reference to ‘Urban Cooperative Banks’ in India, consider the following statements: (2021)
- They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.
- They can issue equity shares and preference shares.
- They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q. Which one of the following links all the ATMs in India? (2018)
(a) Indian Banks’ Association
(b) National Securities Depository Limited
(c) National Payments Corporation of India
(d) Reserve Bank of India
Ans: (c)
Mains:
Q. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion. (2016)

IREDA Bags ‘Excellent’ Ratings
14-06-2025
Source: PIB
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) was awarded an 'Excellent' rating for its exceptional performance in the Power and NBFC sectors by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).
- IREDA received the 'Excellent' rating for the fourth consecutive year, based on its annual performance for FY 2023-24.
- This recognition highlights IREDA’s leadership in green financing and reaffirms its dedication to nation-building through promoting sustainable energy solutions.
IREDA:
- IREDA is a Navratna public sector company under MNRE, established in 1987 as a Non-Banking Financial Institution.
- It is the largest green financing NBFC in India, dedicated to promoting, developing, and financing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, while supporting the sector by encouraging lending from banks and financial institutions.
DPE Ratings:
- The DPE, under the Ministry of Finance, formulates policies on CPSEs' performance, autonomy, and finance, and publishes the Public Enterprises Survey for monitoring.
- DPE Ratings annually assess CPSEs on MoU targets like profitability and efficiency, grading them from Poor to Excellent to ensure accountability and transparency.
India's Renewable Energy Initiatives:


Snail Infestation in Cardamom
14-06-2025
Source: TH
The cardamom-growing regions of Idukki, Kerala, are facing threat from small snail infestations following heavy summer rains. Snails feed on new panicles, flowers, and young capsules, causing crop damage, reduced yield, and quality loss.
- Farmers are using chemical sprays like metaldehyde (as a last resort) to control snail infestations.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
- About: Known as the “Queen of Spices,” it is a highly aromatic spice from the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family.
- It is native to the evergreen rainforests of the Western Ghats.
- Climatic Conditions: Requires rainfall of 1500-4000 mm, temperatures between 10°C to 35°C, and at altitudes of 600–1500 meters. It requires acidic, loamy, humus-rich soils with a pH of 5.0–6.5.
- Production Hotspots: Kerala contributes 58% of India’s cardamom output, with Idukki as the leading district.
- Karnataka grows it in districts like Kodagu and Chikmagalur.
- Tamil Nadu cultivates it in the Nilgiri hills.
- Recently identified cardamom species include Elettaria facifera (Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki) and Elettaria tulipifera (Agasthyamalai hills, Thiruvananthapuram and Munnar, Idukki).
Spices Market in India: India produced 11.14 million tonnes of spices in 2022–23, cultivating 75 of the 109 ISO-listed spices.
- Chilli, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander accounted for 76% of total production.
- Major producing states include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
- In 2023–24, India exported around 14 lakh tonnes of spices, with chilli being the top export (31%) to key markets such as China, Bangladesh, West Asia, and the US.
Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero
14-02-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
NITI Aayog has released a comprehensive set of 11 reports focusing on "Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero," developed by ten Inter-Ministerial Working Groups.
Summary
- NITI Aayog’s reports outline how India can become a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047 while achieving Net Zero by 2070 through electrification, massive renewable and nuclear expansion, green jobs, and sustainable urbanization.
- The transition faces hurdles like financing gaps, critical mineral dependence, technology limits, and just transition needs; solutions include climate finance reforms, green industrial policies, resilient supply chains, sustainable infrastructure, and Mission LiFE–driven behavioral change.
What are the Key Highlights of NITI Aayog Reports on "Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero"?
Macroeconomic and Social Impacts
- GDP Structure: The economy will shift from "Consumption-Led" to "Investment-Driven." Private consumption share will drop, while investment share will rise.
- GDP is projected to rise from USD 4.18 trillion (2025) to USD 30 trillion (2047).
- Trade Balance: While critical mineral imports will rise, fossil fuel import savings are estimated at INR 9 trillion by 2070, strengthening economic resilience.
- Employment:
- Green Jobs: The energy sector will add 7 million jobs by 2050.
- Just Transition: Fossil-fuel dependent districts (over 150) will face restructuring, requiring massive skilling and social protection for workers.
- Land Conflict: Renewable energy expansion requires vast land, potentially competing with agriculture and ecology.
- Role of Behavior: Initiatives like Mission LiFE are critical to moderate demand through lifestyle changes (e.g., public transport, efficient cooling).
- Urbanization: The urban population will swell from 37% in 2023 to 51% by 2047 and 65% by 2070.
- Infrastructure Boom:
- Housing: 86% of the building floor space required by 2070 is yet to be built.
- Cooling: Air Conditioner (AC) penetration is projected to rise from 10% today to 80% by 2070, significantly increasing energy demand.
- Vehicle Ownership: Car ownership per 1,000 people will jump from 32 to 200-250 by 2070.
Energy Transition under the Net Zero Scenario
- Electrification is Key: Electricity’s share in final energy demand will triple, rising from 21% (2025) to 60% (2070) under the Net Zero Scenario.
- Shift in Power Generation:
- Renewables: Solar and Wind capacity will scale massively from ~164 GW (2025) to over 6,000 GW (2070).
- Nuclear Energy: Envisioned as a strategic pillar, scaling from 8 GW to over 300 GW by 2070 to provide firm, baseload power.
- Fossil Fuels: The share of fossil fuels in the primary energy mix will drop from 87% (2025) to 14% (2070).
- Grid Emissions: The grid emission factor is projected to drop to zero by 2070.
Financial Implications and Investment Gaps
- Investment Requirement: The Net Zero Scenario requires a cumulative investment of USD 22.7 trillion by 2070.
- This translates to USD 500 billion per year, compared to the current annual investment of USD 135 billion.
- Financing Gap: Even with domestic reforms, a financing gap of USD 6.5 trillion remains.
- Reliance on Foreign Capital: To bridge this gap, the share of international capital sources (FDI, concessional finance) may need to rise from 17% to 42% by 2070.
Critical Minerals
- Demand Surge: The transition from fossil fuels to clean technologies moves energy security risks from "fuel supply" to "mineral supply."
- Demand for Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETMs) will increase by 51% in the Net Zero Scenario compared to current policies.
- Key Minerals:
- Copper & Graphite: Account for two-thirds of demand.
- Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel: India faces near-total import dependence for these.
- Sectors Driving Demand: EV Batteries (55% of demand) and Solar Technologies (30%).
- Strategy: India needs to enhance exploration, secure international assets, and promote circularity (recycling).
What are India's Challenges in Achieving Viksit Bharat and Net Zero?
- The "Unprecedented Experiment" of Scale: The NITI Aayog notes that no major economy has ever attempted to scale its GDP eightfold (from ~USD 4.18 trillion to USD 30 trillion) within a single generation while simultaneously transforming its energy system to Net Zero.
- Nascent Technology: Key technologies required for this transition specifically CCUS, Long-duration Energy Storage, and Small Modular Nuclear Reactors remain "nascent and unproven at scale in India."
- The Financing Gap & Macroeconomic Shift: The transition demands a structural shift where the share of Private Consumption in GDP drops (from 58% in 2025 to 52% in 2070), while Investment share rises.
- This implies a "tightening of domestic liquidity" that could crowd out consumption if not balanced by foreign inflows.
- Critical Mineral Security: For Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, and Rare Earth Elements, India faces near-total dependence on imports due to a lack of domestic reserves.
- Even where raw materials might be available, there are gaps in refining capacity (e.g., Polysilicon for solar panels).
- Water Stress: A critical spatial challenge is that nearly 75% of India's renewable energy capacity is clustered in water-stressed states, creating a conflict between energy generation and water conservation.
- Infrastructure "Lock-in" Risk: The NITI Aayog highlights that 86% of the building floor space that will exist in 2070 is yet to be built.
- With Air Conditioner ownership projected to jump from 10% to over 80%, there is a massive risk of "locking in" high energy demand if passive design and super-efficient appliances are not mandated immediately.
- Social & Regional Disparities: The report identifies that over 150 districts are dependent on coal and thermal power ecosystems.
- Fossil-fuel-linked manufacturing currently employs nearly 17 million workers.
- These sectors face "profound restructuring pressures," requiring large-scale social protection and reskilling to prevent regional economic collapse.
- Agriculture's Dual Vulnerability: Agriculture is unique as it is both a source of emissions and a victim of climate change.
- The challenge is to mitigate emissions (which are often "invisible") while ensuring food security for the largest employer in the country, without disrupting farmer livelihoods.
What Measures can Strengthen India’s Path Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero?
- Behavioral Change: Systematically integrate Mission LiFE to encourage sustainable consumption.
- Reorient Urban Mobility: Focus on integrating rail, metro, and non-motorized transport rather than just switching private vehicles to EVs.
- Develop Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) by integrating land use and transport planning to reduce the need for travel. Shift freight to efficient modes like Rail and Waterways.
- Future-Proofing Buildings: Since 80% of the 2070 building stock is yet to be built, strict codes are essential.
- Use benchmarking, disclosure, and Green Procurement to make "Net Zero Ready" buildings the norm.
- Industrial Competitiveness in a Green World: Use Blended Finance and public procurement to de-risk Green Hydrogen, CCUS, and low-carbon cement.
- Strengthen carbon measurement and certification systems to prepare for global carbon border taxes.
- Resilient Supply Chains: Avoid replacing fossil fuel dependence with mineral dependence. Accelerate domestic exploration and refining. Empower institutions like KABIL for overseas asset acquisition.
- Integrated Land & Water Planning: Promote Agrivoltaics, Floating Solar, and repurposing of degraded/mined lands.
- Adopt basin-aware strategies for water-intensive technologies like Green Hydrogen.
- Just Transition (People, Jobs, Affordability): Utilize District Mineral Foundations (DMF) and Skill India Mission to finance worker shifts. Upgrade the e-Shram platform to link informal workers in fossil sectors to new green opportunities.
- Adaptation & Resilience: Treat adaptation as equal to mitigation. Conduct vulnerability mapping and "Climate-Proof" critical infrastructure to protect development gains from worsening climate risks.
- Climate Finance: India needs USD 500 billion/year (vs. current ~USD 135 billion) to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
- Establish a National Green Finance Institution to anchor blended finance.
- Develop a unified Climate Finance Taxonomy to boost market confidence.
- Expand GIFT City platforms to crowd in sovereign wealth funds and foreign capital.
- Data as Core Infrastructure: Establish credible Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems.
- Create an interoperable digital layer for EV charging (Unified Energy Interface (UEI)) and energy services (similar to UPI for payments).
- Strong Institutional Architecture: Establish a Low Carbon Development Cell under the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change to align Centre-State action.
- Align five-year sectoral and state budgets with India's NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) cycle.
Conclusion
NITI Aayog concludes that India’s Net Zero transition is not just a climate imperative but a developmental opportunity.
- Just as the steam engine defined the Industrial Revolution, India’s transition can create a new "Indian Development Model"—one that combines economic vitality with sustainability—serving as a lighthouse for the Global South.
- While global climate finance remains uncertain, India’s pathway must align with fairness and climate justice, ensuring that the transition remains compatible with economic inclusion and resilience.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
“India’s Net Zero transition is a developmental opportunity rather than a constraint.” Discuss
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the goal of NITI Aayog’s Net Zero report?
To outline pathways for India to achieve a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047 while reaching Net Zero emissions by 2070 through energy transition, electrification, and green growth.
2. How will India’s energy mix change under the Net Zero scenario?
Electricity’s share will rise to 60% by 2070, renewables may exceed 6,000 GW, nuclear will expand to 300+ GW, and fossil fuels will drop to 14% with CCUS support.
3. What is the scale of investment required for India’s Net Zero transition?
India needs about USD 22.7 trillion by 2070 (~USD 500 billion annually), with a financing gap of USD 6.5 trillion requiring increased foreign capital.
4. Why are critical minerals important for India’s Net Zero pathway?
Clean technologies depend on minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and graphite, with EV batteries and solar driving most demand, creating import dependence risks.
5. What is meant by a ‘Just Transition’ in India’s context?
It refers to reskilling workers, providing social protection, and supporting over 150 fossil-fuel-dependent districts to prevent economic disruption during decarbonization.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (2016)
(a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East
(b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change
(c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
(d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals
Ans: (b)
Exp:
- Intended Nationally Determined Contributions is the term used under the UNFCCC for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in all countries that signed the Paris Agreement.
- At COP 21 countries across the globe publicly outlined the actions they intended to take under the international agreement. The contributions are in the direction to achieve the long-term goal of the Paris Agreement; “to hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C, and to achieve net zero emissions in the second half of this century.” Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
Mains
Q. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?(2021)
Reforming India’s Power Distribution Sector
14-02-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
Recent Union government data for Financial Year 2024–25 show a financial turnaround in Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), with improved Profit After Tax and reduced Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses following sectoral reforms.
Summary
- Power distribution companies have shown a financial and operational turnaround with reduced AT&C losses, a narrowed ACS–ARR gap, and improved payment discipline due to recent reforms.
- Despite these gains, continued dependence on State subsidies, non-cost-reflective tariffs, and unmetered agricultural supply remain major structural challenges.
- Sustained reform through tariff rationalisation, regulatory strengthening, renewable integration, and improved governance is essential for long-term viability of DISCOMs.
What are the Key Developments in DISCOM Performance?
- Recent Financial Turnaround: Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) recorded a positive Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹2,701 crore in Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, marking a significant improvement from losses of ₹67,962 crore in FY 2013-14, indicating a notable financial recovery.
- Reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) Losses: AT&C Losses declined from 22.62% to around 15.04%, reflecting improved operational efficiency, although losses remain elevated in several States.
- Dependence on State Government Support: A considerable portion of the financial improvement is attributable to tariff subsidies and direct takeover of losses by State governments, raising concerns regarding long-term sustainability.
- Improved Payment Discipline: Implementation of the Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) Rules has significantly reduced legacy dues and improved payment cycles, strengthening liquidity across the electricity value chain.
- Demand and Cost Pressures: Rising electricity demand and fluctuations in fuel costs continue to exert pressure on power procurement expenses.
- Reform Implementation through Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS): Performance-linked financial assistance under RDSS has contributed to operational improvements and enhanced accountability.
Government Initiatives to Support State DISCOMs
- Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY): Launched in 2015 to address mounting DISCOM debt, UDAY enabled states to take over 75% of DISCOM liabilities through low-interest bonds. It aimed to reduce AT&C losses, improve billing efficiency, promote smart metering, and enhance operational accountability.
- Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS): Introduced with an outlay of ₹3,03,758 crore for FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26, RDSS seeks to reduce AT&C losses to 12–15% and eliminate the ACS-ARR gap. Funding under RDSS is linked to performance-based reforms and measurable operational improvements, promoting financial sustainability and reliability in the distribution sector.
- Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS): Focused on strengthening urban power distribution infrastructure,IPDS aims to improve supply reliability, reduce technical losses, and enhance customer service in urban areas.
- Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) Rules: Implemented to enforce financial discipline, these rules allowed DISCOMs to clear legacy dues in up to 48 equated monthly instalments (EMIs). Outstanding dues reduced significantly from ₹1,39,947 crore in June 2022 to ₹4,927 crore by January 2026, improving liquidity and payment cycles across the power value chain.
- Integrated Rating of DISCOMs: Annual ratings assess financial and operational performance, promoting transparency and accountability. Recent editions highlighted reductions in AT&C losses and improvements in payment discipline.
What are the Challenges Faced by DISCOMs?
- Dependence on State Subsidies: Many DISCOMs have shown financial improvement largely due to tariff subsidies and direct loss absorption by State governments. Without such fiscal support, several utilities would continue to report substantial losses, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
- Chronic Financial Stress and Legacy Debt: Historically high AT&C losses and a widening ACS-ARR gap have resulted in accumulated losses and mounting debt. Although recent improvements are visible, the risk of reverting to revenue deficits remains.
- Tariff Rationalisation and Political Economy Constraints: Non-cost-reflective tariffs and delayed State subsidy payments have historically weakened DISCOM finances. Political reluctance to revise tariffs or withdraw free power schemes continues to pose a structural challenge.
- Employee Resistance to Privatisation: Employees of public-sector DISCOMs often oppose privatisation due to fears of job losses, retrenchment, and deterioration in service conditions. Past experiences, such as Delhi’s voluntary retirement scheme, reflect concerns about job security and financial stability.
- Unmetered Agricultural Supply and Data Gaps: In several States, unmetered power supply to the farm sector distorts actual consumption data and complicates subsidy estimation, limiting effective financial planning.
What Steps Are Needed to Further Strengthen DISCOMs?
- Strengthening Financial Discipline: Strict enforcement of the Late Payment Surcharge Rules and timely clearance of dues must continue to prevent the recurrence of legacy debt and ensure smooth cash flow across the power value chain.
- Cost-Reflective Tariffs: Institutionalising automatic and timely tariff revisions aligned with fuel costs and inflation is essential to prevent widening of the ACS-ARR gap and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
- Targeted Subsidy Delivery: Moving towards Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for electricity subsidies can enhance transparency, reduce fiscal stress on DISCOMs, and ensure support reaches genuinely vulnerable consumers.
- Expanding Feeder Segregation: States with significant agricultural consumption should adopt feeder segregation to accurately measure farm usage and reduce inefficiencies arising from unmetered supply.
- Promoting Solarisation in Agriculture: Scaling up solar pump deployment and decentralised renewable generation can lower procurement costs and reduce subsidy burdens in the long run.
- Regulatory Strengthening: State electricity regulatory commissions must be empowered to enforce transparent tariff determination, incentivise efficiency, and protect consumer interests.
Conclusion
Recent improvements in DISCOM performance reflect the impact of targeted reforms and fiscal discipline. However, sustained progress depends on reducing subsidy dependence, strengthening regulation, and improving governance to ensure long-term financial viability of the power distribution sector.
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Drishti Mains Question
Improving the financial health of DISCOMs is essential for fiscal prudence and energy security. Examine the recent reforms, persistent challenges, and the way forward.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are DISCOMs?
They are power distribution companies responsible for supplying electricity to consumers.
2. Why have DISCOM finances improved recently?
Reforms, subsidy support, and Late Payment Surcharge rules improved payment discipline and reduced losses.
3. Why do DISCOMs still face problems?
Dependence on state subsidies, free power schemes, and unmetered agricultural supply continue to affect long-term financial sustainability.
4. What is UDAY?
Launched in 2015, Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana allowed states to take over 75% of DISCOM debt through low-interest bonds and aimed to reduce losses and improve billing efficiency.
5. What is IPDS?
The Integrated Power Development Scheme strengthens urban power distribution infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce technical losses.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q. Which one of the following is the purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government? (2016)
(a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy
(b) Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018
(c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time
(d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution
Ans: (d)
Advanced Chemistry Cell Production Linked Incentive Scheme
14-02-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
A recent report highlights serious implementation challenges in India’s Advanced Chemistry Cell Production Linked Incentive (ACC-PLI) scheme.
What is the ACC-PLI Scheme?
- About: Launched in October 2021 by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the scheme aims to promote domestic manufacturing of next-generation battery cells, especially lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
- Advanced Chemistry Cells use technologies like lithium-ion that offer higher energy density, longer life and faster charging, unlike conventional lead-acid batteries traditionally used in vehicles and inverters.
- Objective: The scheme seeks to develop a domestic battery supply chain, including cathode, anode, and electrolyte manufacturing, to reduce import dependence (especially on China), attract private investment and global technology partnerships, lower battery costs, and accelerate EV and energy storage adoption.
- Target: The scheme targets the creation of 50 GWh of battery manufacturing capacity by 2026, supported by a financial outlay of ₹18,100 crore.
- Incentives: Manufacturers are offered incentives up to ₹2,000 per kWh of battery sold, subject to a minimum investment of ₹1,100 crore and phased domestic value-addition requirements (25% within two years and 60% within five years).
- Despite initial enthusiasm, only 30 GWh of the proposed 50 GWh capacity was allotted, and as of October 2025, just 1.4 GWh has been commissioned, with 8.6 GWh under development but delayed.
- Status: As battery production has not begun, no incentives have been disbursed against the ₹2,900 crore target, and project implementation has slowed, with some companies scaling back expansion plans.
- This has resulted in a sharp gap between expectations and outcomes, with only 1,118 jobs created against a projected 1.03 million and EV demand growth falling short of projections.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
- About: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, launched in March 2020, aims to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce imports, and generate jobs, starting with three sectors and later expanding to 14 key sectors.
- Mechanism: Under the PLI framework, both domestic and foreign companies receive financial incentives for manufacturing in India, calculated as a percentage of incremental revenue over a period of up to five years.
- Targeted Sectors: It covers mobile manufacturing, automobiles and auto components, pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, solar PV modules, ACC batteries, and drones.
- Incentives: Incentives are linked to incremental sales, with select sectors also assessed on performance and local value addition, while promoting R&D investment for global competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ACC-PLI scheme?
It is a government scheme launched in 2021 to promote domestic manufacturing of advanced battery cells, especially lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage.
2. What are Advanced Chemistry Cells?
They are modern high-performance batteries with higher energy density, longer life and faster charging compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
3. Why is the scheme important for India?
It helps reduce battery imports, build a local supply chain, and support the growth of electric vehicles and clean energy storage.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider, the following statements : (2023)
Statement-I : India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods.
Statement-II : Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India's ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Ans: (d)
Year-End Review 2025: Department of Expenditure
14-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Department of Expenditure (DoE), Ministry of Finance, has demonstrated transformative fiscal management through large-scale digitization of benefits, strategic capital infusion to states, and comprehensive policy overhauls.
What are the Key Achievements of the Department of Expenditure?
- Scaling DBT for Transparency: The Public Financial Management System (PFMS) has become the backbone for 966 Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes in 2025-26, enabling Rs 2.87 Lakh Crore in direct, real-time payments to beneficiaries via 210.56 crore transactions (till 31st Dec, 2025).
- Enhanced citizen-centric governance through DBT Open House sessions and regional conclaves, and strengthening Centre-State collaboration for transparent fund management.
- Boosting State Capital Investment: Implemented the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure (SASCE)’, increasing its outlay from Rs 12,000 crore (2020-21) to Rs 1,50,000 crore (2025-26).
- Disbursed Rs 4,49,845 crore to states since inception (2020-21) to enhance productive capacity and crowd-in private investment.
- Launched in 2020–21 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, SASCE provides 50-year interest-free loans to states specifically for capital expenditure, boosting economic recovery, as capital spending has a high GDP multiplier effect of Rs 3 for every Rs 1 spent.
- Enabling State Borrowings with Reform Incentives: Fixed the Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) for states at 3% of GSDP for 2025-26 as per the 15th Finance Commission (FC).
- Modernizing Public Procurement Frameworks: Comprehensively revised procurement manuals (Goods, Consultancy & Non-Consultancy Services, Works) to enhance ease of business, and introduce modern practices like reverse auctions and performance security reforms.
- Managing Finance Commission Grants & Disaster Funds: Implemented the 15th FC awards, releasing grants for Post-Devolution Revenue Deficit, Local Bodies, and Health Sector.
- Grievance Redressal: Streamlined resolution of over 150,000 grievances annually via an automated Customer Redressal Management (CRM) system.
- Pay Reforms: Constituted the 8th Central Pay Commission to review and revise pay structures for central government employees and pensioners.
Borrowing Provisions
- Chapter II of Part XII of the Constitution of India deals with borrowing by the Union and the States. It contains two key provisions:
- Article 292 governs borrowing by the Government of India (the Central Government), authorizing it to borrow upon the security of the Consolidated Fund of India, subject to such limits as may be fixed from time to time by Parliament by law.
- Article 293 governs borrowing by the States.
- Article 293 (3) expressly requires that a State, if it remains indebted to the Central Government (or has any outstanding loan/guarantee from the Centre or its predecessor), must obtain the prior consent of the Government of India before raising any further loan.
Current Debt Structure
- For the central government, the debt-to-GDP ratio is estimated to be 57.1% in 2024–25 and 56.1% in 2025–26. The government aims to bring it down to 50 ± 1% by 2030–31.
- At present, the state governments account for nearly one-third of total General Government debt and contributed to over 50% of the rise in overall public debt between 2014–15 and 2019–20.
Ministry of Finance
- About: The Ministry of Finance manages the government’s finances and oversees all economic and financial matters. Its responsibilities include taxation, financial legislation, financial institutions, capital markets, centre–state finances, and preparation of the Union Budget.
- It also controls cadres such as the Indian Revenue Service, Indian Economic Service, Indian Cost Accounts Service, and Indian Civil Accounts Service.
- Departments under the Ministry of Finance: It operates through six departments, including the Department of Economic Affairs, Revenue, Expenditure, and Financial Services.
- Department of Economic Affairs prepares the Union Budget, manages macro-economic and fiscal policy, public debt, and capital markets. It also handles currency production, external financial relations (G20, BRICS), and oversees investments (FDI, NIIF).
- Department of Financial Services (DFS): It oversees banking, insurance, and pension reforms, managing PSBs, financial institutions like NABARD, and administering key schemes such as PMJDY, PMSBY, and PMMY.
Conclusion
- The Department of Expenditure drives fiscal efficiency and cooperative federalism by leveraging digital platforms, reform-linked incentives, capital expenditure support, and procurement reforms. These efforts strengthen transparent governance, State finances, and service delivery while aligning public spending with long-term economic growth objectives.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the role of the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure in boosting economic growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What role does PFMS play in India’s DBT ecosystem?
PFMS enables real-time, transparent fund transfers and supports 966 DBT schemes, ensuring efficient last-mile delivery and fiscal accountability.
Q. What is the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure?
It provides 50-year interest-free loans to States to boost capital expenditure, crowd-in private investment, and enhance productive capacity.
Q. How does the Net Borrowing Ceiling support fiscal discipline?
The 3% of GSDP NBC, as per the 15th Finance Commission, balances State fiscal autonomy with macroeconomic stability.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India? (2016)
- Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc.
- Loans received from foreign governments
- Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (2022)
World Inequality Report 2026
13-12-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The 3rd World Inequality Report 2026 (WIR 2026), released by the World Inequality Lab, highlights unprecedented global inequality across income, wealth, gender, climate responsibility, and territorial divides, calling for urgent policy interventions.
Summary
- The report highlights global inequality, with the top 10% owning 75% of wealth and responsible for 77% of capital-linked emissions.
- Inequality is multi-dimensional, spanning income, wealth, gender, climate responsibility, and geography, with mutually reinforcing effects.
- The report suggests progressive taxation, gender-equal policies, and global financial reform to promote equitable societies.
What are the Key Findings of the World Inequality Report 2026?
- Extreme Wealth Concentration: The top 10% own three-quarters of global wealth, while the bottom half holds only 2%.
- The wealthiest 0.001% (around 60,000 multi-millionaires) control 3 times more wealth than half of humanity combined. Their share grew from 4% in 1995 to over 6% in 2025.

- Human Capital Inequality: Average education spending per child in Sub-Saharan Africa is Euros 220 (PPP), compared to Euros 7,430 in Europe and Euros 9,020 in North America & Oceania — over 40 times lower.
- Climate Inequality: The wealthiest 10% account for 77% of global emissions associated with private capital ownership, while the poorest half accounts for only 3%.
- Those who emit the least (populations in low-income countries) are most exposed to climate shocks, while high emitters have resources to adapt.
- Gender Inequality: Women work 53 hours per week on average vs 43 for men (including domestic and care work).
- Excluding unpaid work, women earn 61% of men's hourly income; including unpaid labor, this falls to just 32%.
- Regional Income Inequality: Average daily income in North America & Oceania is Euros 125, compared to only Euros 10 in Sub-Saharan Africa — a 13-fold difference. The Top 10%/Bottom 50% income ratio reveals severe inequality within countries.

- Global Financial System Inequality: Annually, a net financial transfer equal to 1% of global GDP—3 times total development aid—moves from poorer to wealthier nations due to demand for US and European sovereign bonds.
What are the Key Findings Related to India in the World Inequality Report 2026?
- Income Inequality: The top 10% of earners capture a disproportionate 58% of the national income. In contrast, the bottom 50% of the population receives only 15%.
- Wealth Concentration: The richest 10% hold around 65% of the nation's total wealth. The top 1% alone holds about 40% of total wealth.
- Low Female Labor Force Participation: The female labor force participation rate is only 15.7%, one of the lowest in the world.
- Average Prosperity: The average annual income per capita is approximately Euros 6,200 (PPP), and average wealth is about Euros 28,000 (PPP).

World Inequality Report
- About: The World Inequality Report is a major global publication that provides comprehensive data and analysis on the distribution of income and wealth across countries and over time.
- It is produced by the World Inequality Lab, a research center based at the Paris School of Economics.
- Key Features of the Report: It provides a deeper assessment of global income and wealth distribution, moving beyond conventional metrics like GDP.
- It uses a multidimensional lens, covering gender inequality, climate impact, and access to public services.
What are the Key Policy Recommendations Made in World Inequality Report 2026?
|
Policy Area
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Core Objective
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Recommendations
|
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Public Investment in Human Capital
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Equalize life chances from the start and build an inclusive society.
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Invest in free, high-quality education, universal healthcare, childcare, and nutrition programs.
|
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Redistribution & Social Protection
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Shift resources directly to lower-income groups and provide stability.
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Implement cash transfers, pensions, and unemployment benefits for vulnerable households.
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Advancing Gender Equality
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Dismantle structural barriers and redistribute unpaid care work.
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Provide affordable childcare, equitable parental leave, and enforce equal pay laws.
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Progressive & Green Taxation
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Mobilize public resources fairly and align fiscal policy with climate goals.
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Enact progressive wealth/income taxes and use taxes/subsidies to promote low-carbon technologies.
|
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Reforming Global Financial System
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Correct systemic biases that transfer resources from poor to rich nations.
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Explore new global currency arrangements systems to reduce unequal financial flows.
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India’s Initiatives to Reduce Inequality
Conclusion
The World Inequality Report 2026 reveals an interconnected crisis of extreme economic, environmental, and social disparities. While the data shows that inequality is a political choice, the proposed multi-dimensional policy solutions and existing national initiatives highlight a clear, actionable path toward building more equitable and resilient societies.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Examine the multidimensional nature of global inequality as highlighted in the World Inequality Report 2026. What comprehensive steps, integrating fiscal and social policy, are needed to forge an effective and equitable development path for India?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does WIR 2026 reveal about global wealth concentration?
The top 10% hold 75% of global wealth, while the bottom 50% owns only 2%; the top 0.001% controls three times more wealth than half of humanity.
2. How is climate inequality linked to wealth?
The wealthiest 10% account for 77% of emissions from private capital; the top 1% alone contribute 41%, showing unequal responsibility and risk.
3. What does the report identify as a primary reason for persistent high inequality in India?
Inequality in India is entrenched, with the top 10% capturing 58% of national income and the top 1% holding 40% of wealth, exacerbated by a stagnant female labour force participation rate of 15.7%.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.Inclusive growth as enunciated in the Eleventh Five Year Plan does not include one of the following: (2010)
(a) Reduction of poverty
(b) Extension of employment opportunities
(c) Strengthening of capital market
(d) Reduction of gender inequality
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (2020)

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
13-11-2025
Source: ET
The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) chairman has expressed dissent over several key recommendations of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) expert committee headed by DK Sarraf on boosting domestic gas usage.

PNGRB
- About: PNGRB is a regulatory and statutory body constituted under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006.
- Objective: It aims to protect consumer interests, regulate petroleum and natural gas activities (excluding crude oil production), promote competitive markets, and ensure uninterrupted supply across India.
- Dispute Resolution: It can adjudicate disputes among entities or individuals over petroleum and gas operations, including refining, storage, transportation, distribution, and marketing.
- It also handles complaints on retail obligations, price displays, pipeline terms, city gas networks, and can issue orders, directions, or refer matters for investigation.
- Appeal Mechanism: The Appellate Tribunal, established under Section 110 of the Electricity Act, 2003, serves as the appeal authority under the PNGRB Act, 2006.
Intergenerational Equity & Conservation of Endangered Species
13-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Supreme Court (SC) of India reviewed the conservation status of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the Lesser Florican, questioned the relevance of Western principles like intergenerational equity for protecting species close to extinction, and stressed the need for an eco-centric approach to biodiversity governance.
What is the Principle of Intergenerational Equity?
SC's Observation on the Principle of Intergenerational Equity
- Anthropocentric Nature of the Principle: The Court noted that intergenerational equity is human-centred, focusing on conserving resources mainly for the benefit of future human generations.
- SC noted that, it treats nature as a resource to pass down, ignoring the intrinsic value of species and ecosystems beyond human use.
- Limited Protection for Endangered Species: The Court observed that the principle offers weak conservation support when a species is already close to extinction.
- This limits its usefulness in biodiversity law, especially for critically endangered species like the GIB and Lesser Florican.
What are the Key Facts About Great Indian Bustards and Lesser Floricans?
Great Indian Bustard
- About: The Great Indian Bustard is a critically endangered grassland bird. It is one of the four bustard species in India, along with the Lesser Florican, Bengal Florican and Macqueen’s Bustard.
- The GIB is omnivorous and highly vulnerable to power line collisions due to its poor frontal vision.
- Distribution and Habitat: Found in India and the eastern regions of Pakistan. It lives in arid and semi-arid grasslands, open landscapes with thorny scrub and tall grasses mixed with cultivation.
- In India it is present mainly in Rajasthan, with smaller populations in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh
- Breeding and Behaviour: Males remain solitary during the breeding season but may form flocks in the non-breeding period.
- Ecological Importance: GIB acts as an indicator species, it reflects the health of grassland ecosystems. Their decline signals degradation of native grasslands.
- Protection Status: IUCN Red List (Critically Endangered).
- Threats: The species faces severe threats from habitat loss, power line collisions, hunting, and predation by free-ranging dogs.

Lesser Florican
- About: The Lesser Florican is the smallest bird in the bustard family. It has a small body with longish bill and legs.
- Distribution and Habitat: Breeds in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
- They are found in productive lowland grasslands (below 250 m), dry grasslands with scattered scrub, and sometimes in cotton and millet fields.
- It is a rare summer visitor to the Terai region of Nepal.
- Conservation Status: IUCN Red Lis (Critically Endangered)
- Wildlife Protection Act,1972 (Schedule I)
- CITES (Appendix II)

What are SC’s Recommendations for Biodiversity Conservation?
- Shift Toward an Eco-Centric Approach: In T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India (2012), the SC affirmed an eco-centric approach, stating that the Constitution requires compassion for all living beings and that species have intrinsic value beyond human use.
- The Court urged a shift away from anthropocentric thinking toward an eco-centric philosophy.
- Stronger Protection for Critically Endangered Species: Calls for focused, science-based conservation action for species like the Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican.
- Fair treatment extends to animals : In Animal Welfare Board of India v. Nagaraja (2014), the SC held that Article 21’s guarantee of dignity and fair treatment extends to animals, reinforcing the constitutional duty to protect their well-being.
- The Court urged that environmental and wildlife laws be consistently interpreted to support long-term ecological balance and sustainable conservation.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court stressed that conservation of the dying species needs an eco-centric approach rather than human-centred principles. The Court reaffirmed that safeguarding endangered species is a constitutional and ecological responsibility.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the limitations of intergenerational equity principle for conserving critically endangered species in India. Suggest alternatives with legal and policy measures.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is intergenerational equity?
Intergenerational equity holds that each generation may use natural resources but must conserve them for future generations.
2. Why did the Supreme Court find intergenerational equity inadequate for endangered species?
The Court said the doctrine is essentially anthropocentric (focusing on human benefit across generations) and offers limited protection when species require immediate, species-specific, eco-centric interventions.
3. What practical measures did the Supreme Court recommend for bustard and florican conservation?
The Court urged an eco-centric policy focus: stronger habitat protection, science-based recovery programmes (including captive breeding), infrastructure mitigation (undergrounding/rerouting power lines), and timely implementation of conservation directives.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species? (2012)
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
Ans: (a)
Q. With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? (2020)
- It is spread over two districts.
- There is no human habitation inside the Park.
- It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? (2018)
Strengthening Labour Rights in India
13-10-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Sigachi Industries reactor blast in Telangana, along with a spate of industrial accidents in 2025, has reignited concerns over industrial safety standards and the weakening of labour protections, reviving debates on the erosion of workers’ rights in India.
What are the Reasons for Rising Industrial Accidents in India?
- Negligence and Cost-Cutting: Employers often ignore maintenance, use outdated machinery, and skip safety checks leading to frequent industrial accidents.
- The International Labour Organization (ILO) states that industrial accidents are rarely random and they usually result from employers cutting corners, underinvesting in safety, or forcing workers into long hours and high pressure due to low wages.
- Lack of Training and Safety Systems: Workers are poorly trained, and many sites lack alarms, safety gear, or emergency facilities leading to mishandling of equipment and delayed response during crises.
- At Sigachi Industries, the reactor reportedly ran at twice the permissible temperature without any alarm or intervention, underscoring serious safety lapses.
- Overwork and Fatigue: Long hours and high work pressure increase mistakes in hazardous environments.
- Weak Law Enforcement: Irregular inspections and poor enforcement allow unsafe practices to continue.
- Unregistered Workers: Informal workers lack records, legal protection, and access to compensation, increasing vulnerability.
- Deliberate Actions to Claim Insurance: Some accidents are manipulated or exaggerated to secure insurance payouts, contributing to underreporting of actual workplace safety practices.
What are the Key Labour Laws Governing Workers' Rights in India?
- Factories Act, 1948: Governs working conditions, machinery maintenance, safety standards, working hours, rest breaks, canteens, and crèches.
- Includes provisions for inspections and enforcement to ensure compliance.
- It was amended in 1976 and 1987, the latter after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, to strengthen safety norms.
- Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923: Provides compensation to workers injured or killed on the job.
- Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948: Offers health insurance, medical care, and cash benefits to employees in case of sickness, maternity, or employment-related injury.
- Payment of Wages Act, 1936 and Minimum Wages Act, 1948: Ensure timely and fair payment.
- Industrial Disputes Act, 1947: Protects workers’ rights regarding termination, layoffs, and dispute resolution.
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020: Consolidates 13 previous labour laws into a single framework. OSHWC Code seeks to regulate safety, health, and working conditions across sectors, though full implementation is pending.


What are the Challenges in Protecting Workers’ Rights in India?
- Systemic Erosion of Legal Safeguards: Labour protections have been diluted under the guise of flexibility and ease of doing business, weakening enforcement mechanisms.
- For example, Maharashtra’s 2015 self-certification rule allowed factories to bypass independent inspections, undermining statutory safety provisions.
- Normalization of Informality and Vulnerability: Policy shifts favoring employer discretion to hire, fire, and extract work without oversight have entrenched informal employment, leaving workers unregistered and without legal or social protection.
- Most contract workers in Sivakasi fireworks factories operate without formal records, making accident compensation irregular and delayed.
- Gendered Exclusion from Economic Gains: Weak enforcement of workplace rights disproportionately affects women, constraining participation and perpetuating gender exclusion
- Corporate Accountability Deficit: Reduced inspections and self-certification limit avenues to hold employers criminally or financially responsible for negligence.
- For instance, industrial disasters like the Ennore coal-handling collapse saw minimal legal consequences for structural failures despite evident lapses.
- Long-Term Economic and Productivity Impact: Unsafe and exploitative work conditions lower productivity, with informal trade workers earning USD 5/hour, nearly half the national average of USD 11/hour, undermining India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.
How can India Strengthen Worker Rights and Improve Safety?
- Reinforce Legal Safeguards: Fully implement the OSHWC Code, 2020, and align labour policies with ILO conventions on workplace safety, decent work, and social protection.
- Formalisation and Social Security: Digitally register informal workers through the Shram Suvidha Portal and integrate them into universal social security coverage, including pensions, health insurance, and paid leave.
- Skill Development and Safety Training: Implement sector-specific safety and skilling programs via National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Skill India Mission.
- Accelerate the implementation of Mission Digital ShramSetu as proposed by NITI Aayog.
- Leverage AI-enabled monitoring and predictive tools under #AIforAll to track compliance and hazards in high-risk industries.
- Gender-Inclusive Measures Promote female workforce participation through workplace childcare facilities, maternity benefits under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and vocational training programs targeted at women in informal sectors.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Compliance: Encourage adherence to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria among businesses.
- Integrate worker welfare considerations into corporate CSR strategies.
- Promote Collective Action and Safety Culture: Encourage collective bargaining, worker representation, and whistleblower protection.
- Foster a “safety-first” industrial culture, treating worker protection as an investment rather than a cost.
- Data-Driven Monitoring: Establish national dashboards to track compliance, accident rates, and social protection coverage, enabling targeted policy interventions and preventing negligence.
Conclusion
Protecting worker rights needs strong laws, social security, skills training, gender inclusion, corporate accountability, and data-driven monitoring. Addressing these will safeguard workers, boost productivity, and advance Viksit Bharat 2047.
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Drishti Mains Question:
How do systemic erosion and weak enforcement affect labour rights in India, and what reforms can address these gaps?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main causes of workplace accidents in India?
Outdated machinery, poor safety systems, long work hours, unregistered workers, and weak law enforcement.
2. Which laws protect industrial workers in India?
Key laws include the Factories Act 1948, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020, Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923, ESI Act 1948, Payment of Wages Act 1936, and Minimum Wages Act 1948.
3. How has the OSHWC Code, 2020, reformed worker safety regulations?
It consolidates 13 labour laws to streamline safety, health, and working conditions, though full implementation is pending.
4. What measures can improve worker rights and industrial safety?
Reinforcing legal safeguards, formalising informal workers, skill training, gender inclusion, corporate accountability, and AI-enabled monitoring.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)
- The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions.
- N.M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. “Success of ‘Make in India’ programme depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. (2015)
Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025
13-09-2025
For Prelims: Online Gaming, Real Money gaming (RMG) Industry, Digital Payment System, Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
For Mains: Factors leading to the rise of the gaming industry in India, Need of code of ethics and deregulating India's online gaming sector.
Source: ET
Why in News?
The Act, passed by Parliament, encourages e-sports and online social games while prohibiting harmful online money gaming services, advertisements, and financial transactions related to them.
- The act was introduced in Parliament as a Finance Bill under Articles 117(1) and 117(3) of the Constitution, with the President’s recommendation.
What is Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025?
- About: The Act seeks to create a comprehensive legal framework to regulate, promote, and support the online gaming sector, fostering a responsible digital environment for citizens.
- Ban on Online Money Games: The act completely prohibits offering, advertising, or facilitating financial transactions for real money games.
- Banks and financial institutions are barred from processing payments for such platforms.
- Authorities empowered under the IT Act, 2000 to block unlawful platforms.
- Key Provisions of the Act: Online games are classified in the following manner:
- E-Sports: Recognized as a legitimate sport, competitive digital sports played through organized tournaments, requiring skill.
- Online Social Games: Primarily skill-based games designed for entertainment, or social interaction. Examples: Wordle.
- Online Money Games: Games involving financial stakes, whether based on chance, skill, or both. Players pay fees or deposit money with the expectation of monetary or other gains. Examples: Dream11, Poker, Rummy.
- Applicability of the Act: Across India and includes online money gaming services offered within India or operated from outside but accessible in India.
- Promotion of Positive Gaming:
- E-Sports: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to frame guidelines, establish training academies, and research centres.
- Social/Educational Games: Union Government can recognize, register, and promote safe, age-appropriate platforms for learning and recreation.
- Regulatory Body: A national-level regulator to:
- Categorize and register games.
- Determine if a game qualifies as a money game.
- Handle complaints and grievances.
- The Central Government is authorized to appoint officers with powers of investigation, search, seizure, and arrest (in certain cases even without a warrant).
- Offences and Penalties:
- Offering online money games: Up to 3 years imprisonment and ₹1 crore fine.
- Advertising banned games: Up to 2 years imprisonment and ₹50 lakh fine.
- Offences are cognisable and non-bailable.
- Liability Clause: The Act makes companies and their officers accountable, while independent and non-executive directors are exempt if they can demonstrate due diligence.
Online Gambling
- About: Online games are defined as those played on electronic or digital devices and operated through software using the internet or other electronic communication technologies.
- It facilitates real-time interaction and competition between players, regardless of their location.
- Classification:
- Skill-Based Games: They prioritize skill over chance and are legal in India. E.g., Game 24X7, Dream11, and Mobile Premier League (MPL).
- Games of Chance: Their outcome depends mainly on luck rather than skill and are Illegal in India. E.g., Roulette, which attracts players primarily for monetary rewards.
- Market Size: In 2023, India became the world's largest gaming market with 568 million gamers and 9.5 billion app downloads.
- The market, valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2023, is projected to reach USD 8.6 billion by 2028.
What are the Key Growth Drivers of India’s Gaming Industry ?
- Economic Drivers: India's vibrant start-up ecosystem, supported by Start-up India and Atmanirbhar Bharat framework, has fostered the growth of numerous gaming companies and platforms.
- These startups are driving innovation and catering to the diverse gaming preferences of Indian consumers, contributing to the expansion and evolution of the gaming industry in the country.
- India has produced numerous gaming unicorns, including Games24X7, Dream11 and Mobile Premier League.
- In the last few years, gaming companies raised USD 2.8 billion from domestic and global investors, amounting to 3% of total startup funding in India.
- NVIDIA has announced the launch of its cloud gaming service in India in November 2025.
- Technological Enablers;
- Initiatives such as BharatNet and the National Broadband Mission (NBM) are focused on providing high-speed internet to rural and remote regions.
- The 5G rollout has further boosted internet speeds and lowered latency, crucial for a smooth gaming experience.
- A recent survey by MoSPI reveals that over 85% of Indian households now own smartphones, with internet access available within the premises for 86.3%.
- Mobile phones contribute to 90% of the gaming market in India as compared to about 37% and 62% in the US and China, respectively.
- Policy & Cultural Shifts:
- IT Rules 2021, self-regulatory bodies, and the AVGC Task Force created a framework for safe growth.
- Gamers honored in the Content Creators Award; Create in India Campaign promotes content creators.
- Covid-19 lockdown drove 50% industry growth, with average gaming time rising from 2.5 to 4.1 hrs/day, turning gaming into a legitimate career path.
How is the Gaming Industry Regulated in India?
- Information Technology Act, 2000 & Rules
- The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, amended in April 2023, set standards for online gaming platforms.
- Intermediaries must prevent the circulation of unlawful/illegal content.
- Platforms offering money games must register with Self-Regulatory Bodies (SRBs), which determine if a game is permissible.
- Section 69A empowers the government to block illegal sites/apps — 1,524 betting and gambling platforms blocked (2022–June 2025).
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023:
- Section 111: Penalises unlawful economic activities and cybercrimes.
- Section 112: Punishes unauthorised betting/gambling with 1–7 years imprisonment and fines.
- Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act, 2017:
- Extends to illegal/offshore gaming platforms.
- Online money gaming suppliers must register under the Simplified Registration Scheme.
- The DG of GST Intelligence can direct blocking of unregistered/non-compliant platforms.
- Ensures digital gaming entities follow the same taxation norms as physical businesses.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Prohibits misleading/surrogate advertisements.
- The CCPA can investigate, penalise, and initiate criminal proceedings.
- Advisories issued to restrict celebrities/influencers from endorsing betting platforms.

What are the Key Concerns of India’s Online Gaming Industry and Suggest Measures to Strengthen It?
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Concerns
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Measures
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Regulatory Ambiguity – Fragmented state laws; no clear distinction between skill-based gaming and gambling.
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Establishment of a national regulatory body; strengthen self-regulatory bodies (SRBs) for clarity.
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Illegal Gambling & Money Laundering – Offshore sites thriving; risks of terror financing, misuse of remittance routes.
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Collaborate with banks & payment gateways to block illegal transactions; real-time monitoring; global anti-money laundering cooperation.
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Addictive Behaviour – Excessive play leads to stress, financial ruin, suicidal tendencies (23% youth affected).
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Introduce age-gating, spending limits, self-exclusion tools; integrate mental health support; run public awareness campaigns.
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Cyberattacks – Data breaches (11 mn accounts in 2024); risks from VPN/geo-blocker bypass.
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Strengthen cybersecurity with audits, encryption, intrusion detection; comply with data protection norms.
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Financial Risks – Vulnerable users overspend (₹17 lakh PUBG case); Indians lose ₹20,000 cr annually.
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Promote responsible gaming practices; enforce parental controls; ensure consumer protection mechanisms.
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Lack of Innovation Support – Limited infrastructure and mentorship for developers.
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Develop dedicated gaming hubs & incubators (models: Montreal, Singapore, South Korea) for innovation and talent growth.
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Drishti Mains Question
Q. Discuss the challenges and regulatory measures needed for the growth of the online gaming industry in India.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India? (2018)
- Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
- Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
- Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (2021)

Exemptions for Mineral Exploration in Forests
13-09-2025
Source: IE
Why in News ?
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has approved enhanced exemptions for mineral exploration drilling in forest areas, following requests from the Ministries of Coal and Mines.
Why Have Exemptions Been Provided for Mineral Exploration Drilling in Forest Regions?
- Borehole Limit and Push for Critical Minerals: The Environment Ministry now permits 62 to 80 boreholes per 10 sq km, each up to 6 inches in diameter, for mineral exploration.
- Earlier rules allowed only 25 boreholes per 10 sq km, along with 80 shot holes and felling of up to 100 trees, without requiring forest clearance.
- This expansion aims to tap critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, vital for clean energy and defence.
- Ease of Doing Business: Reduces delays from repeated central clearances for temporary exploration.
- Private Sector Participation: Encourages greater investment and involvement in mineral exploration.
- Economic Growth Support: Minerals are crucial for infrastructure, manufacturing, defence, and green technologies.
- Enables quicker project development, cost efficiency, and higher investment inflows.
What Concerns are Associated with Increased Mineral Exploration Drilling in Forest Regions?
- Environmental and Ecological Concerns:
- Increased drilling activities may cause cumulative environmental impact.
- It can have potential effects on forest flora and fauna despite safeguards.
- Local and regional precipitation patterns may be impacted by forest loss.
- Local Communities and Tribal Rights:
- Potential conflicts with traditional forest dwellers' rights under FRA 2006.
- Safeguarding of religiously and culturally significant forest areas.
- Effects on forest-dependent communities and their traditional occupations.
- Bypass Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 Scrutiny:
- In the past, the FCA mandated central government certification for any activity on forest land that wasn't directly connected to conservation of forests.
- There are several issues with mineral exploration being reclassified as a "forest activity.
Critical minerals
- Critical minerals are those essential for a nation’s economic growth and national security, whose limited availability or concentration of reserves/extraction in specific regions creates supply chain vulnerabilities.
- India’s Position: Released a list of 30 critical minerals (e.g., Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Rare Earth Elements, Silicon, Tin, Titanium).
- India is heavily import-dependent for most critical minerals.
- Significance of Critical Minerals:
- Environment & Energy: Key for renewable energy technologies (solar panels, wind turbines, semiconductors).
- Essential in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
- National Security: Vital for defence sector – missile systems, aerospace, communication technologies.
- Economic & Electronics: Critical for electric vehicles (EVs) via lithium-ion batteries.
- Required for semiconductors, smartphones, computers, communication devices.
India’s Initiatives for Critical Minerals:
- Policy and Regulatory Framework: National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), aims to identify 1,200 deposits by 2030 to meet rising demand for lithium, cobalt, and other critical minerals, vital for clean energy and EVs.
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023: Enables exploration and mining of critical minerals.
- National Mineral Policy, 2019: Focuses on sustainable mining and exploration.
- Union Budget 2024-25: Removed customs duties on most critical minerals.
- Exploration and Domestic Production:
- Geological Survey of India (GSI): Conducting extensive surveys for lithium, rare earths, and other critical minerals.
- Lithium Discovery (2023): Major reserves identified in Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Strategic Mineral Reserves: Plans to build reserves for lithium, cobalt, and others.
- International Collaborations & Trade Agreements:
- Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), 2019: Joint venture under the Ministry of Mines to secure overseas mineral assets; partnerships with Argentina, Australia, etc.
- Minerals Security Partnership (MSP): India joined the US-led initiative in 2023 to strengthen global supply chains for critical minerals.
What Should be the Sustainable Roadmap for Mineral Exploration in Forests?
- Sustainable Exploration Practices: To Promote non-intrusive technologies such as geophysical surveys, images from satellites, and remote sensing and artificial intelligence based mineral forecasting systems and drone-based mapping techniques.
- Mitigate impact on the environment through decreasing usage on powered drilling.
- Strengthen Environmental Safeguards: Establish strict Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) like No drilling in wetlands ecosystems, areas for reproduction, or critical ecosystems.
- Implement time-specific limitations in place (No drill during the nesting or breeding periods).
- Cluster Mining Approach:
- To utilize resources thorough cluster mining initiatives that include shared environmentally friendly structures for multiple divisions.
- Eco-friendly techniques such as conveying systems, bucket steering digging machines, and systematic landfill control.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements: (2019)
- Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country
- State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
- State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Q. What is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘District Mineral Foundations’ in India? (2016)
- Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts
- Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
- Authorizing State Governments to issue licenses for mineral exploration
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (2021)
Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (2017)

Rethinking India’s Strategy Against Aedes Mosquitoes
13-09-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
India faces rising dengue, chikungunya, and Zika cases transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes, yet authorities still depend on less effective fumigation.
- Experts call for personal protection, community action, and innovative, cost-effective measures.
Why are Current Measures Against Aedes Mosquitoes Failing?
- Mosquito Behaviour: Aedes mosquitoes bite mainly indoors during the daytime and at night under artificial light. Hence, outdoor fogging miss most of their activity.
- Local authorities still conduct large-scale fumigation, though national health agencies do not recommend it as a routine method. It provides little long-term impact.
- Chemical Resistance: Mosquitoes are developing tolerance to pyrethroid-based vaporizers and temephos larvicides, reducing their effectiveness.
- High Cost of New Technologies: Promising innovations like Wolbachia mosquitoes or spatial repellents remain underused due to high costs and lack of institutional support.
- Incomplete Vaccine Protection: While dengue vaccine trials such as DengiAll are ongoing, there is still no approved and effective vaccine for chikungunya or Zika in India.
What Measures can Strengthen the Fight Against Aedes Mosquitoes?
- Shift Focus from Fogging to Source Reduction: Fogging kills few mosquitoes because Aedes rest indoors. The government should prioritise larval source management by cleaning stagnant water in homes, rooftops, tyres, and construction sites.
- Example: Delhi’s "10 Hafte, 10 Baje, 10 Minute" campaign encourages households to check water containers weekly.
- Strengthen Community Participation: Camino Verde trial in Latin America showed significant dengue reduction when communities managed breeding sites.
- India can replicate such evidence-based community mobilisation at ward/village level.
- Like Polio campaigns, India needs a “Dengue Free India Mission” combining school education, TV, and digital outreach.
- Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) can be frontline educators for household-level awareness.
- Ensure Affordable and Safe Repellents: Widespread use of DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)-based repellents (proven most effective) should be promoted.
- The government can subsidise or include repellents under Jan Aushadhi Kendras for mass accessibility.
- Promote Personal Protection: Encourage use of long sleeves, treated nets for daytime sleepers, and insecticide-treated school uniforms.
- Awareness campaigns must stress that Aedes bite during the daytime, unlike malaria mosquitoes.
- Support Innovative Interventions: Integrate Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes (being scaled up in Brazil, Indonesia, Australia) to reduce dengue transmission.
- Vaccine development should be supported but used cautiously due to limited efficacy.
- Environmental and Waste Management: Aedes thrive in plastic waste and discarded containers. India needs stronger solid waste management and plastic recycling initiatives.
- Smart cities and Swachh Bharat Mission can integrate anti-dengue waste management drives.
Burden of Aedes Mosquitoes
- The burden of Aedes mosquitoes stems from their role as vectors for multiple severe and rapidly spreading arboviruses, including Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.
- Dengue is both endemic and emerging in India, which bears one of the world’s highest burdens, with about 33 million symptomatic and 100 million asymptomatic infections annually.
- India reported its first Zika case from Gujarat State in 2016. Since then, many other States namely Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka have reported cases subsequently.
- Chikungunya, a viral disease endemic to India, causes severe joint pain, fever, and rash, with no specific treatment.
- Major outbreaks occurred in 1963, 1965, 1973, and later re-emerged in 2006, now affecting almost all states, especially urban and peri-urban areas.

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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Despite limited effectiveness, India continues to rely on fumigation for Aedes control? Discuss and suggest sustainable alternatives.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Wolbachia method is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following? (2023)
a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
b) Converting crop residues into packing material
c) Producing biodegradable plastics
d) Producing biochar from thermochemical conversion of biomass
Ans: (a)
Q. Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent? (2021)
a) Congress grass
b) Elephant grass
c) Lemongrass
d) Nut grass
Ans: c

India Explores Rare-Earth Deal with Myanmar
13-09-2025
Source:IE
India is collaborating with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Myanmar to secure rare-earth mineral samples, aiming to diversify its supply chain away from China.
- The KIA, founded in 1961, is one of Myanmar’s most influential armed groups. They captured the Chipwe-Pangwa mining belt in Kachin state, which supplies most of the world’s heavy rare earths, including dysprosium and terbium.
What are Rare Earth Minerals?
- About: Rare earths are a group of 17 elements including 15 silvery-white metals called lanthanides, or lanthanoids, plus scandium and yttrium.
- In their periodic table order, they are: scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium.
- They are not rare in the sense that they are uncommon. They tend to be spread thin around the Earth's crust in small quantities and mixed together or with other minerals, so larger deposits are difficult to find and costly to extract.
- Environmental Impact:
- Processing rare earths often involves the use of solvents, which can produce toxic waste that pollutes the soil, water, and atmosphere.
- More environmentally friendly technologies are being developed, but they are not yet widely used.
- Certain types of rare earth ores also contain radioactive thorium or uranium, which is often removed using acid.
- For this reason, development of the sector faces health and environmental regulatory hurdles.
- Use: They are used in a wide range of products including consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), aircraft engines, medical equipment, oil refining, and military applications such as missiles and radar systems.
- Biggest Producer: China accounts for about 60% of global mine production and 90% of processed and permanent magnet output.

What is the Status of India on Rare Earth Elements?
- India has the world’s fifth-largest rare earth reserves, at 6.9 million metric tons, but there is no domestic magnet production. India relies on imported magnets, mainly from China.
- In the fiscal year to March 2025, India imported 53,748 metric tons of rare earth magnets. These are used in automobiles, wind turbines, medical devices and other manufactured goods.
- Rare earth mining is restricted to IREL (a miniratna company), which supplies India’s Atomic Energy Department with materials for nuclear power projects and defence-related applications.
- IREL has a rare earths extraction plant in Odisha and a refining unit in Kerala.
- India is working to build its own processing capacity. IREL has been seeking partnerships with Japanese and Korean companies to manufacture rare earth magnets commercially.
- IREL Limited has been mandated to produce REEs in the form of high pure rare earth oxides from rare earths bearing mineral Monazite in India.
- To reduce India’s import dependency in REEs, the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) is carrying out exploration to augment resources along the coastal, inland and riverine placer sands of the country.
- India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025.
- Under the NCMM, Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been assigned to carry out 1,200 exploration projects from FY25 to FY31.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements: (2019)
- Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country
- State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
- State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)

Bills to Modernise India’s Maritime Laws
13-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Parliament passed Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 & Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 with the aim to modernise India’s maritime legal framework by replacing outdated colonial-era laws.
What are the Key Provisions of the Recently Passed Maritime Bills?
- Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025:
- It replaced the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, modernizing the legal framework aligned with global cabotage norms.
- It aims to raise coastal cargo to 230 million tonnes by 2030 with simpler licensing and foreign vessel regulation.
- It provides for cutting foreign dependence, boosting supply security, jobs, and ease of business.
- It mandates a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan and a National Database to enhance infrastructure planning, transparency, and investor confidence.
- Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025:
- It replaced the outdated Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, aligning India’s maritime laws with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions for clarity and ease of compliance.
- It aims to enhance sea safety standards, emergency response, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare, while promoting Indian shipping tonnage and India’s global maritime reputation.
- It authorizes the central government to detain vessels without nationality or legal flag rights in Indian waters, boosting maritime security with a future-ready legal framework supporting India’s economic and trade ambitions.
- Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025:
- It replaced the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925 and adopted the internationally accepted Hague-Visby Rules (1924) and its amendments, setting a global standard for maritime trade.
- The Hague-Visby Rules, 1924 govern sea carriage of goods, outlining carrier and shipper rights and liability for cargo loss or damage.
- It regulates Bills of Lading, documents detailing goods’ type, quantity, condition, and destination to enhance transparency and shipping efficiency.
- Empowers the Central Government to issue directions and amend rules on Bills of Lading, promoting ease of business and aligning India’s laws with global standards and trade agreements.
What is the State of India’s Maritime Sector?
- State of India’s Maritime Sector: India is the 16th largest maritime nation, handling 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value through 12 major and 200+ minor ports on key global shipping routes.
- Capacity and Fleet Growth: Major ports’ cargo-handling capacity grew by 87% (2014–24) to 1,629.86 million tonnes, with 819.22 million tonnes handled in FY24; the fleet comprises 1,530 registered ships.
- Global Rankings: India ranks 38th in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023, while being the 3rd largest ship recycler globally with around 30% market share, home to the largest ship-breaking yard at Alang.
- Shipbuilding and Policy Initiatives: Despite lagging in shipbuilding, initiatives like the New Shipbuilding and Repair Policy, along with 100% FDI(under the automatic route for port and harbour construction and maintenance projects), tax holidays, and infrastructure upgrades, aim to boost domestic capacity and have helped raise exports to USD 451 billion in FY23.

Government Initiatives in India’s Maritime Sector
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (2017)
- Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
- IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements: (2015)
- It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
- It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Mains:
Q. Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (2018)
OMC Compensation & PMUY Subsidy Extension
13-08-2025
Source: IE
The Union Cabinet approved budgetary support to public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to cover their losses from selling LPG cylinders below international prices in FY 2024-25.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
- About: PMUY was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to provide clean cooking fuel ( and removing traditional firewood & coal), specifically LPG, to rural and economically disadvantaged households.
- Ujjwala 2.0: Under Ujjwala 2.0 (Phase 2), special provisions allow migrant families to obtain LPG connections using self-declaration instead of requiring Proof of Address or Ration Cards.
- Eligibility: Women aged 18+ from households without existing LPG connections, belonging to categories such as SC/ST, PM Awas Gramin, Most Backward Classes, AAY, tribal groups, forest dwellers, island residents, SECC-listed households, or other poor families.
- Key Benefits: Beneficiary households receive subsidy for cooking gas cylinders.
- This has led to improved women's health by reducing indoor air pollution, decreased women’s drudgery, environmental protection through less deforestation, and enhanced nutrition due to easier cooking with clean fuel.
- Achievements: As of July 2025, over 10.33 crore PMUY connections have been issued nationwide.
- The average per capita LPG consumption among PMUY beneficiaries has risen around 49% between 2019 & 2024 reflecting increased LPG usage.
Harnessing AI to Shape India’s IT Leadership
13-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Indian IT sector, a USD 280 billion industry employing 5.8 million people, is undergoing a profound shift as Artificial Intelligence transforms service delivery and business operations. This AI-driven disruption has prompted moves like TCS halting experienced hiring and cutting 12,000 jobs, sparking concerns over the future workforce and the evolving nature of IT employment.
What are the Key Applications of AI in the IT Sector?
- Productivity, Automation & Workforce Transformation: AI has increased software development productivity through tools like coding assistants and automated code generation (GitHub Copilot by Microsoft).
- AI automates routine IT tasks, reducing errors and boosting efficiency. For instance, UiPath is a leading robotic process automation (RPA) tool that uses AI to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks.
- Developers are evolving into AI supervisors focusing on strategy, ethics, domain-specific logic, and security.
- McKinsey predicts that by 2030–2060, generative AI could automate about 50% of global work activities.
- Enhanced Cybersecurity & Threat Detection: AI algorithms detect unusual patterns in real-time for early threat identification and prevention. Machine learning models analyze large datasets to predict attacks, while AI-driven systems respond faster than humans, strengthening IT security.
- Darktrace’s “Enterprise Immune System” uses AI to learn normal network behavior and flags unusual activities, like unexpected file transfers or logins from new locations, as potential threats.
- Improved Data Management: AI automates data collection, storage, and analysis of large, unstructured datasets, enabling sectors like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to better understand customer behavior and drive business growth.
- Predictive Maintenance: AI analyzes historical data to forecast hardware and software failures, enabling proactive maintenance that reduces downtime and extends the lifespan of IT infrastructure.
- For instance, Company Splunk uses AI to predict system failures from performance data, enabling proactive maintenance.
What are the Key Challenges in the Indian IT Sector’s AI Adoption Journey?
- Skill Gap & Workforce Displacement: Rapid AI adoption has created a significant skill gap, with urgent need to retrain the workforce in AI tools, data science, cybersecurity, and ethical AI.
- Routine coding, maintenance, and back-office roles face automation risks, leading to potential unemployment and wage stagnation in certain segments.
- A World Economic Forum (WEF) report suggests that AI and automation could displace up to 85 million jobs by 2025.
- Regulatory, Ethical & Security Concerns: Ensuring AI systems are transparent, unbiased, and GDPR-compliant adds operational complexity.
- Protecting data privacy and security is vital as AI processes sensitive data, requiring regular ethical audits and strict accountability.
- India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) sets a framework for data privacy, but its applicability to large-scale data collection and processing for AI model training remains unclear..
- Integration Challenges with Legacy Systems: Many Indian IT firms operate on outdated legacy infrastructure, making AI integration complex, costly, and time-consuming.
- Migrating to AI-ready systems often requires overhauling existing architectures, which disrupts operations and demands substantial investment.
- Global Competition & Infrastructure Gaps: Competition from Philippines, Vietnam, and Eastern Europe in AI challenges India’s cost advantage.
- Limited high-performance computing, advanced research facilities, and AI infrastructure slow innovation, increase reliance on foreign cloud services, and raise data sovereignty concerns.
- Initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission aim to strengthen infrastructure, yet India continues to lag behind global leaders.
How can India's IT Sector Effectively Harness the Potential of Artificial Intelligence?
- Government-Industry Collaboration & Reskilling: The government should partner with the private sector to build AI computing infrastructure, including high-performance GPU data centers.
- It should facilitate access to large, high-quality datasets for AI training, exemplified by platforms like AIKosh under the IndiaAI Mission.
- Nationwide AI skilling missions in AI, machine learning, and advanced software development are essential to align workforce capabilities with industry needs and global ethical standards.
- Driving AI-Led Product Innovation: Indian IT firms should leverage AI to enhance productivity, moving from traditional service-based models to creating proprietary AI-powered enterprise solutions, cloud services, and cybersecurity products.
- For instance, Ola’s AI venture, Krutrim, is developing its own cloud platform.
- Promoting AI Research through PPP: Encourage PPP for AI research, intellectual property creation, and the development of specialized AI hubs.
- The government should prioritize funding deep-tech AI startups that focus on foundational, high-tech solutions.
- A recent allocation of Rs 10,000 crore under the Fund of Funds scheme marks a significant step in this direction.
- Towards Ethical and Explainable AI: Establish robust AI ethics, data privacy, and bias mitigation standards.
- Government policies should incentivize AI R&D, startup growth, and encourage IT firms to become strategic AI solution partners globally.
- Also, promote the use of explainable AI (XAI) to build trust with clients and regulators.
Conclusion
AI is a catalyst for reinvention, not a threat, for the Indian IT sector. The industry must shift from manpower-intensive outsourcing to knowledge-driven, AI-powered innovation. Firms that embrace change, invest in talent transformation, and position themselves as strategic AI partners will shape India’s technological leadership in the coming years. This vision should be a core theme at the AI Impact Summit, New Delhi, 2026.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the impact of AI on the IT sector. What are the opportunities and challenges, and how can India leverage AI for sustainable growth?
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
- Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
- Create meaningful short stories and songs
- Disease diagnosis
- Text-to-Speech Conversion
- Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q. Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (2023)
MP Local Area Development Scheme
13-08-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Minister of State for MoSPI laid out detailed provisions of the Revised Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) Guidelines 2023 in the Parliament, for its effective utilization.
What is the MPLADS Scheme?
- About: MPLAD is a Central Sector Scheme, launched in 1993, which enables Member of Parliament (MPs) to recommend developmental works in their constituencies, focusing on durable community assets based on local needs.
- Rajya Sabha MPs may recommend works in any district(s) of their state of election, while nominated MPs can choose any district(s) in any one state of the country.
- Implementation: The state nodal department supervises the scheme, while district authorities are responsible for project sanction, fund allocation and execution.
- Funding Allocation: Each MP is allocated Rs 5 crore per year since 2011-12, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) to district authorities in two installments of Rs 2.5 crore.
- This fund is non-lapsable and can be carried forward if not utilised in a given year.
- MPs must allocate a minimum of 15% and 7.5% of their funds to create assets for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), respectively.
- Special Provisions: MPs can spend up to Rs 25 lakh a year outside their constituency or state on projects that promote national unity, and up to Rs 1 crore anywhere in India for relief after severe natural calamities.
- Convergence with Other Schemes: Funds can be converged with Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), MGNREGS for asset creation or linked to Khelo India for sports infrastructure.
- Eligible Works: Funds can create immovable assets on government land and movable assets for government-owned/controlled or aided institutions.
- Support is allowed on registered social welfare society land (≥3 years), excluding MP/family involvement.
- Funds can also be used for Bar Association buildings on court premises, but not for recurring expenses.
What is the Monitoring Mechanism Under MPLAD Scheme?
|
Agency/Body
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Functions
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Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
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Monitors fund flow, conducts annual reviews, publishes progress reports, and ensures CAG-approved audits.
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Central Nodal Agency
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Reviews project implementation and manages audit processes.
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State/UT Governments
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Constitute monitoring committees, inspect at least 1% of works annually, and commission third-party audits for high-value projects.
- State/UT Governments are required to fully delegate technical, financial, and administrative sanction powers to the Implementing District Authority for expeditious execution of MP-recommended projects.
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District Authorities
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Inspect a minimum of 10% of works each year and maintain photographic documentation.
|
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Implementing Agencies
|
Conduct site inspections and ensure 100% verification of completed works.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct? (2020)
- MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
- A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations.
- MPLADS funds are sanctioned on a yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
- The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Ans: (d)
Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage
13-02-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Prime Minister of India shared an article titled "Carbon capture can power India’s next steel revolution" (authored by the Union Minister of Steel), emphasizing the role of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in decarbonizing India’s heavy industries.
- Simultaneously, the Union Budget 2026-27 has earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for a new CCUS scheme, signaling a decisive policy shift from research to commercial deployment.
What is Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)?
- About: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), CCUS refers to a suite of technologies that involve the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from large point sources (such as power generation or industrial facilities) or directly from the atmosphere.
- The captured CO2 is then compressed and transported to be used in a range of applications or injected into deep geological formations for permanent storage.
- The Three-Step Process:
- Capture: Separating CO2 from other gases produced during industrial processes (using chemical solvents, membranes, or solid sorbents).
- Transport: Compressing the captured CO2 and transporting it via pipelines, ships, or road tankers.
- Utilization and Storage:
- Utilization (CCU): Using the CO2 to create products like urea (fertilizers), synthetic fuels, building materials (curing concrete), or chemicals (methanol).
- Storage (CCS): Injecting the CO2 deep underground into geological formations (depleted oil/gas fields or saline aquifers) for permanent sequestration.

Why is CCUS Crucial for India?
- Solution for 'Hard-to-Abate' Sectors: Sectors like Steel, Cement, and Chemicals cannot simply switch to renewable energy because their emissions are often process-intrinsic (e.g., CO2 is released chemically when limestone is heated to make cement, regardless of the fuel used).
- CCUS is currently the only viable technology to decarbonize these processes without shutting down the industry.
- Powering the 'Steel Revolution': India is the world’s 2nd-largest crude steel producer after China, with an output of about 152 million tonnes in FY 2024–25.
- Under the National Steel Policy 2017, the country aims to achieve 300 million tonnes of crude steel capacity by FY 2030–31, and further expand to 500 million tonnes by 2047 as part of its Viksit Bharat vision.
- The sector contributes nearly 10 to 12% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
- While Hydrogen-based steel making is the future, it requires time to scale. CCUS acts as a vital bridge technology, making "Low-Carbon Steel" possible immediately using existing infrastructure.
- Enhancing Energy Security: India depends heavily on coal for primary energy (approx. 55-60%).
- Immediate abandonment of coal is economically detrimental. CCUS allows for the continued use of fossil fuels with significantly reduced environmental impact, ensuring energy security during the transition phase.
- Circular Economy: Captured CO2 can be converted into Methanol (a clean fuel) or used in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), where CO2 is injected into aging oil fields to extract residual oil, turning a waste product into a revenue stream.
- Countering Carbon Taxes: Global markets are increasingly regulated by sustainability norms, such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
- Steel produced with integrated carbon capture systems will have a lower carbon footprint, safeguarding exports against cross-border carbon taxes.
- Low-carbon steel manufacturing will attract climate-aligned international investments.
- Longevity of Assets: India has a young fleet of steel plants. CCUS allows these existing assets to continue operating while meeting climate goals, preventing them from becoming "stranded assets."
- Alignment with Goals: CCUS initiatives can help India to meet Paris Agreement targets (limiting warming to 2°C, preferably 1.5°C) and align with five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Climate Action and Clean Energy.
India's Initiatives Related to CCUS
- Union Budget Allocation (2026-27): Allocated Rs 20,000 crore over five years to support CCUS projects.
- This funding targets five key sectors: Power, Steel, Cement, Refineries, and Chemicals.
- NITI Aayog’s CCUS Policy Framework: It proposed a viability gap funding (VGF) mechanism to lower the cost of capture.
- Development of CCUS Hubs & Clusters (e.g., in Gujarat and Odisha) where multiple industries share transport and storage infrastructure.
- Green Steel Taxonomy: The government has defined benchmarks for "Green Steel," incentivizing producers to adopt low-carbon technologies like CCUS to avoid carbon taxes (like CBAM) on exports.
- Steel produced with emissions of less than 2.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of crude steel (tCO2e/t-fs) can now be officially classified as 'Green Steel' with 3 to 5-star ratings.
- DST’s R&D Roadmap: The Department of Science & Technology (DST) launched a detailed roadmap outlining a phased approach from pilot demonstration (2025-30) to commercial scale-up (2035-45) of CCUS.
- Two National Centres of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCoE-CCU) have been established at IIT Bombay and JNCASR, Bengaluru.
- Mission Innovation Challenge on CCUS: It is a joint initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- Launched in 2018, this call aims to undertake joint R&D with 24 member countries of Mission Innovation. It focuses on breakthrough technologies in CO2 capture, separation, storage, and value addition.
What are the Challenges in Scaling Up CCUS in India?
- Capital Intensive: CCUS technologies are very expensive. It can raise electricity costs by 60–80% and make steel and cement costlier, hurting export competitiveness.
- Energy Penalty: Carbon capture systems consume 15–25% of a plant’s power, reducing efficiency and increasing coal consumption.
- Infrastructural Gaps: India currently lacks a dedicated pipeline network for transporting high-pressure CO2 from industrial clusters (sources) to storage sites (sinks).
- Acquiring land for laying these pipelines is a complex challenge in India due to high population density and land acquisition laws.
- Geological Constraints & Data Deficit: While India has estimated storage capacity (500-1000 GT), there is a lack of high-resolution geological data ("Carbon Storage Atlas") that pinpoints exact, safe locations for permanent storage.
- Much of India's potential storage lies in Basalt formations (Deccan Traps). Storing CO2 in basalt is technically more challenging and less proven globally compared to sedimentary rock formations used in the West.
- Injecting high-pressure gas underground can theoretically trigger minor earthquakes or ground tremors.
- Utilization Constraints: The market for utilizing CO2 (e.g., making carbonated drinks, dry ice, or fire extinguishers) is tiny compared to the volume of emissions.
- Converting CO2 into value-added products like Methanol is currently expensive and requires Green Hydrogen, which is also in early stages of development.
- Regulatory & Legal Vacuum: There is no legal framework defining who is responsible if stored CO2 leaks 50 years from now. (Is it the company, the storage operator, or the government?).
- If geological storage sites are not sealed perfectly, CO2 can leak back into the atmosphere (negating climate benefits) or contaminate groundwater aquifers.
- India lacks a mature Carbon Market or a high Carbon Tax. Without a price on carbon emissions, industries have no financial incentive to invest in expensive CCUS technology.
What Measures can be Taken to Strengthen CCUS Scaling in India?
- Cluster-Based Approach: India should develop Industrial Hubs (e.g., in Gujarat or Odisha) where steel, cement, and power plants are located close together. They can share a common CO2 transport and storage infrastructure to reduce costs.
- Carbon Markets: Strengthen CCUS under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). If companies can sell carbon credits earned by capturing CO2, the technology becomes financially viable.
- Performance-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Similar to the PLI for Green Hydrogen, the government should introduce a PLI for CCUS to subsidize the high upfront cost of capture technologies.
- Tax Credits (The '45Q' Model): India should adopt a model similar to the US '45Q' tax credit, offering a fixed tax deduction for every tonne of CO2 permanently stored or utilized.
- R&D in Utilization: Focus should remain on CCU (Utilization) over Storage. Converting CO2 into value-added products (like Green Urea or Green Methanol) suits India’s price-sensitive market better than burying it underground.
- Storage Standards: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) must issue guidelines for the safe injection, monitoring, and verification of geological CO2 storage to prevent environmental hazards.
Conclusion
CCUS is no longer optional but "key" to achieving India’s Net-Zero by 2070 target. Scaling CCUS is not just about technology but about creating a "Carbon Economy". By treating CO2 as a valuable feedstock rather than waste, and by sharing infrastructure costs through clusters, India can turn its decarbonization challenge into an industrial opportunity.
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Drishti Mains Question:
"Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is not just a climate mitigation tool but a prerequisite for sustaining India’s industrial growth in a carbon-constrained world." Discuss
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is CCUS?
CCUS is a set of technologies that capture CO₂ from industrial sources, transport it, and either utilize it in products like methanol and urea or store it underground for permanent sequestration.
2. Why is CCUS important for India?
It helps decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement, supports energy security, and protects exports from carbon taxes such as the EU’s CBAM.
3. What is India’s Green Steel benchmark?
Steel with emissions below2.2 tCO₂e per tonne of crude steel qualifies as Green Steel, with a 3–5 star rating system.
4. What are the key government initiatives on CCUS?
₹20,000 crore budget allocation (2026–27), NITI Aayog CCUS framework, CCUS hubs, DST roadmap, and Mission Innovation IC3 collaboration.
5. What are the major challenges in scaling CCUS in India?
High costs, energy penalty, lack of CO₂ pipelines, limited geological data, regulatory gaps, and weak carbon pricing mechanisms.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. Consider the following agricultural practices: (2012)
- Contour bunding
- Relay cropping
- Zero tillage
In the context of global climate change, which of the above helps/help in carbon sequestration/storage in the soil?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of them
Ans: (b)
Q2. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration? (2017)
- Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams
- Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
- Subterranean deep saline formations
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change? (2025)
Bodhan AI & Bharat EduAI Stack
13-02-2026
Source: TH
Recently, the government has launched Bodhan AI to build an open-source Bharat EduAI Stack aimed at embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the education system from kindergarten to research.
- Bodhan AI: It is a non-profit organisation under the Ministry of Education, developed by the AI Centre of Excellence for Education at IIT Madras.
- It aims to build an AI-enabled Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for education through the creation of the Bharat EduAI Stack.
- Bharat EduAI Stack: It will function as an open-source digital public infrastructure to deploy AI tools across the education ecosystem, including personalised AI tutors, AI-assisted teacher training and support, institutional administration systems, and data-driven policy-making based on large learning datasets.
- Vision: The initiative aims to make AI inclusive, interoperable and sovereign while promoting equitable education under the “AI for All” approach.
- Applications: The initiative seeks to make education equitable, affordable, accessible and high-quality through AI tutors for personalised learning, AI-assisted teacher training, and tools to help parents track children’s development.
Indigenous Dogs for Assam Rifles Dog Squad
13-02-2026
Source: TH
Assam Rifles plans to gradually phase out foreign dog breeds by 2050, following the 2025 directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to induct more Indian canine breeds into the armed forces’ dog squads.
- Tangkhul Hui Breed: It is native to the Ukhrul district of Manipur, is highly disease-resistant and traditionally used for hunting.
- Kombai Breed: An indigenous breed from Tamil Nadu, Kombai has been identified as a suitable partner breed for Tangkhul Hui.
- Training & Deployment: The dogs are trained at the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre in Jorhat, the force’s only such facility, before deployment as guard and tracker dogs in operational areas.
- Operational Role: These dogs help in detecting arms, explosives and narcotics, particularly in the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir regions.
- Current vs Future Composition: The force currently uses Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd and Labrador breeds, but aims for full induction of indigenous breeds by 2027 and gradual replacement by 2050.
Assam Rifles
- The Assam Rifles is a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and India’s oldest paramilitary force, primarily responsible for security and counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast and guarding the Indo-Myanmar border.
- It was established in 1835 as the “Cachar Levy,” a militia raised to protect British tea plantations and settlements from tribal raids in the Northeast.
- The force functions under the dual control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (administrative) and the Ministry of Defence (operational).
Year End Review-2025: Ministry of Culture
12-12-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Culture released its Year-End Review for 2025, showcasing a landmark year filled with major cultural festivals, heritage preservation efforts, and large-scale public participation.
Summary
- India marked key heritage gains in 2025, including the return of the Piprahwa Buddha relics and UNESCO status for the Maratha Military Landscapes.
- The year saw major cultural showcases and knowledge initiatives like Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0, revival of Kambh Ramayana, Kalagram at Mahakumbh, and the Gyan Bharatam programme.
What Were the Key Heritage Preservation Measures Undertaken by India in 2025?
- Repatriation of Lord Buddha’s Relics: The sacred Piprahwa relics (1898) were stopped from being auctioned abroad and returned to India after 127 years through coordinated legal and diplomatic intervention.
- Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0: It is a cultural initiative that celebrates the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, strengthening their ancient civilizational bond.
- Revival of Kambh Ramayana Tradition: The Kamba Ramayana, also known as Ramavataram, is a prominent 12th-century CE Tamil epic composed by the poet Kambar.
- It is a reimagining of Valmiki’s Sanskrit Ramayana, adapted to reflect the socio-cultural and religious values of the Chola period.
- Kalagram at Mahakumbh 2025: Kalagram is a cultural village established by the Ministry of Culture for the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj.
- It is designed to showcase India's rich spiritual and diverse heritage through a blend of crafts, cuisines, and cultural performances.
- UNESCO Recognition for Maratha Military Landscapes: India secured the inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes as its 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site, raising India’s global rank to 6th in number of World Heritage properties.
- Project Mausam: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) hosted a national workshop in New Delhi to strengthen research on maritime cultural routes and safeguard ocean-linked cultural landscapes in the Indian Ocean region.
- Project Gaja-Lok: It is a transnational initiative launched by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage), documenting the cultural symbolism of Asian elephants through exhibitions and roundtable discussions, linking ecology with cultural heritage.
- Gyan Bharatam: A national initiative to preserve, digitise, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage, was launched at the first Gyan Bharatam International Conference in New Delhi.
- The conference concluded with the Delhi Declaration, reaffirming India’s commitment to revitalising its manuscript tradition under the vision of Vikshit Bharat 2047.
- Tribal Business Conclave 2025: The conclave showcased tribal arts, literature, and entrepreneurship, aligning with Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.
- Special Campaign 5.0: The Special Campaign 5.0 (officially, the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters 5.0 or SCDPM 5.0) is an initiative focused on reducing pendency and institutionalizing cleanliness (Swachhata).
- The campaign reached full cleanliness targets across 599 cultural sites, and implemented a major push for scientific e-waste disposal.
- Samvidhan Hatya Diwas: Observed on 25th June 2025 to mark 50 years since the declaration of Emergency, highlighting the importance of constitutional values, civil liberties, and democratic safeguards.
- Sewa Parv 2025: Showcased large-scale public participation through nationwide art workshops and cleanliness drives at heritage sites, linking community service with cultural expression and civic awareness.
Conclusion
The year 2025 marked a powerful resurgence of cultural pride, heritage conservation, and civilizational confidence. Through festivals, global partnerships, heritage repatriation, and knowledge preservation, the Ministry of Culture strengthened India’s cultural footprint at home and abroad while inspiring public participation on an unprecedented scale.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Heritage conservation must reconcile conservation ethics and mass participation. Discuss.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which property became India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025?
Maratha Military Landscapes were inscribed as India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site, enhancing India’s global rank for World Heritage properties and highlighting landscape-based military heritage.
Q. What is Gyan Bharatam and why is it important?
Gyan Bharatam is a national programme for manuscript preservation, digitisation and dissemination; its web portal and institutional MoUs establish a coordinated digital infrastructure to safeguard India’s manuscript knowledge legacy.
Q. How did the Ministry link heritage to livelihoods in 2025?
Through initiatives like Kalagram, Sewa Parv and the Tribal Business Conclave, the Ministry promoted artisanship, created market linkages and organised capacity-building forums to translate heritage into sustainable livelihoods.
Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025
12-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025 under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 to simplify corneal transplantation protocols and promote equitable access to organ and tissue transplantation services across India.
What are the Key Highlights of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025?
- Eases Equipment Requirements: The mandatory requirement for clinical specular microscopes in corneal transplantation centres has been removed.
- These microscopes, used to assess corneal cell health, were often expensive and difficult to procure for smaller centres.
- The amendment will ease infrastructure and operational hurdles for smaller eye centres, improving access to corneal transplant services nationwide.
Significance
- Promotes Equitable Healthcare: Expands access to organ, tissue, and eye donation services across regions, aligning with the goals of the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP).
- Boosts Eye Donation Efforts: Encourages more institutions to participate in eye donation and corneal transplantation, increasing the availability of donor tissue.
- Addresses Corneal Blindness: Helps tackle one of India’s leading causes of visual impairment by improving access to timely treatment.
- Corneal Blindness is vision impairment or blindness caused by damage or disease of the cornea (the transparent part of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil and allows light to enter the inside), often due to infection, injury, malnutrition, or genetic disorders.
- According to the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, corneal blindness is the second-leading cause of blindness after cataract among Indians, affecting 1.2 million people, with 25,000–30,000 new cases each year.

What is Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994?
- Background: Before 1994, India lacked a unified law on organ transplantation, relying on scattered state acts like the Bombay Corneal Grafting Act (1957) and Maharashtra Kidney Transplantation Act (1982).
- Rising illegal organ trade, especially in kidneys, led to public and expert demand for national regulation. The 1994 Act was framed on the recommendations of a committee led by Dr. L. M. Singhvi (1991) to ensure ethical and transparent transplantation.
- THOTA, 1994: It was enacted to regulate the removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs and tissues for therapeutic purposes, and to prevent commercial dealings in human organs.
- The Act facilitates the ethical retrieval of organs from brain-dead individuals and tissue transplantation in India by establishing a clear legal framework for donation and medical procedures.
- It promotes transparency and accountability in the retrieval, storage, and transplantation of human organs and tissues.
- Major Provisions of the Act: Defines the terms donor, recipient, and near relative to prevent misuse.
- It specifies that organ removal can be done only for therapeutic purposes and with informed consent.
- Establishes Authorization Committees to regulate transplantation activities.
- Amendments and Rules: The 2011 Amendment expanded the scope of the Act through the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2011, broadening coverage to include more organs and tissues.
- The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014 were notified to operationalize the provisions of the Act.
- Implementation and Adoption by States: Since health is a State subject, states must adopt the Act for it to be applicable.
- The 1994 Act applies to all States and Union Territories, except Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which have their own laws.
National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)
- About: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is implementing the NOTP to promote equitable access to organ and tissue donation and transplantation across all States and Union Territories.
- Institutional Framework: NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation) functions as the apex body in New Delhi, supported by Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisations (ROTTOs) and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisations (SOTTOs).
- Key Components: The programme includes setting up State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisations (SOTTOs) in every State and UT, along with National, Regional, and State Bio-material Centres.
- It provides financial aid to improve organ transplant facilities, trains medical professionals, and supports hiring transplant coordinators in medical colleges and trauma centres.
- Additionally, it ensures post-transplant immunosuppressant drugs for Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients.
- Achievements: India’s organ transplants increased from 4,990 in 2013 to 18,911 in 2024. India ranks 3rd globally in total organ transplants, behind the US and China, and 1st in living donor transplants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994?
THOTA, 1994 is the central law regulating removal, storage and transplantation of human organs and tissues for therapeutic purposes and prohibiting commercial dealings in organs.
2. What are the key highlights of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025?
The 2025 Rules remove the mandatory clinical specular microscope requirement for corneal centres, easing infrastructure hurdles and improving access to corneal transplantation especially in smaller and rural centres.
3. What is the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)?
NOTP is the Government of India’s programme to promote organ and tissue donation nationwide via NOTTO (national), ROTTOs (regional) and SOTTOs (state), tissue banks, training, funding and awareness campaigns.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)
- Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.
- A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.
- Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Q. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? (2012)
- Different kinds of specialised surgical instruments were in common use by the 1st century AD.
- Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of the 3rd century AD.
- The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.
- The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Isobutanol Blending with Diesel
12-09-2025
Source: TH
India is now exploring isobutanol blending with diesel after unsuccessful ethanol-diesel trials, highlighting the government’s push for biofuels to support farmers, reduce oil imports, and ensure sustainable energy use.
- Isobutanol: It is a four-carbon alcohol (C₄H₁₀O), flammable, colorless, and traditionally used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and chemical industries. It is produced both from petrochemical processes and fermentation of biomass.
- Properties (vs. Ethanol): Higher energy density than ethanol (closer to diesel).
- It has lower hygroscopicity (absorbs less water than ethanol), reducing risks of corrosion in engines and pipelines.
- Isobutanol Blending Trials: Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is testing 10% isobutanol–diesel blends.
- Isobutanol is also being explored as an independent fuel and in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-isobutanol flex-fuel options for tractors and agri-machinery.
- Benefits for India: Isobutanol enhances energy security while promoting a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Supports India’s National Biofuel Policy (2018) goals of energy transition and farmer income support.
India-Mauritius Relations
12-09-2025
Source:HT
Why in News?
During Mauritius Prime Minister’s visit to Varanasi, India was described as a trusted partner in Mauritius’ socio-economic development and as having steadfastly supported it at all times.

What are the Key Outcomes of Mauritius PM’s Visit to India?
- Development and Economic Support: India announced a Special Economic Package for Mauritius, covering the development of Port Louis, surveillance of the Chagos Marine Protected Area, and support for infrastructure, employment, and healthcare projects.
- The first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India has been established in Mauritius, and India will extend cooperation to set up an AYUSH Centre of Excellence.
- Community Development and Capacity Building: Signed an MOU for Phase 2 of High Impact Community Development Projects to strengthen development partnership.
- India will provide civil service capacity building for Mauritius using Mission Karmayogi as a reference platform.
- Energy: MoU signed on energy and power sector cooperation to help Mauritius meet energy needs, including a 17.5 MW floating solar power plant.
- Space cooperation: Signed an MoU on space cooperation for satellite telemetry, navigation, remote sensing, and capacity building.
How are India’s Relations with Mauritius?
- Diplomatic and Political Relations: India established diplomatic relations in 1948, before Mauritius’ independence (1968).
- Trade and Investment: India as a trading partner accounts for 11% of Mauritius’ imports in 2024, ranking third among its top trading partners.
- Key Indian exports are petroleum, pharmaceuticals, cereals, cotton, shrimps, and bovine meat.
- Key Mauritian exports are vanilla, medical devices, aluminium alloys, refined copper, and cotton shirts.
- Mauritius has contributed a cumulative 180B USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) to India from 2000 to 2025, accounting for 25% of total inflows, facilitated by the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention.
- In FY 2023–24, Mauritius was India's second-largest source of FDI after Singapore.
- Development and Cultural Ties: India supports healthcare, education, and cultural institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the Indian Cultural Centre (largest abroad), with over 2,500 Mauritian students benefiting annually.
- People-to-People Links: Around 26,000 Indian nationals and 13,000 Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders live in Mauritius.
- OCI eligibility has been extended to Mauritians with Indian ancestry up to seven generations.
- Tourism and Education: Tourism is strong between India and Mauritius, with visa-free entry for Indians and free visas for Mauritians.
- Strategic and Regional Cooperation: Mauritius is key to India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
- India, through exercises like AIKEYME, trains Mauritian personnel, refits coast guard vessels, and strengthens maritime capabilities.
What is the Significance of the Bilateral Relationship Between India and Mauritius?
Significance of Mauritius for India
- Strategic Location: Mauritius’ position in the western Indian Ocean helps India secure sea lanes and maintain regional maritime security under SAGAR/MAHASAGAR.
- It acts as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence and strengthens India’s regional role.
- Economic Relations: Mauritius is a gateway for India’s trade and investment in Africa, as it is a part of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Significance of India for Mauritius
- Development Partner: India has provided over USD 1 billion in the past decade and helps protect Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone and trains its personnel.
- Disaster Relief: It acts as first responder during crises such as Wakashio oil spill (2020) Cyclone Chido (2024), and Covid-19.
What are the Challenges in India-Mauritius Relations?
- Dependency on Indian Assistance: Mauritius relies heavily on India for development aid, concessional credit, and grants. Over-reliance may push Mauritius to diversify its partnerships to avoid dependence on a single country for economic and security needs.
- Domestic policies and balancing relations with China, France, and the US complicate India’s engagement.
- Geopolitical Competition: Rising Chinese investments in Mauritius, including Jinfei Smart City and port projects, challenge India’s strategic influence.
- Limited Private Sector Engagement: Indian public sector enterprises dominate economic activity in Mauritius, while private sector participation remains low, limiting business innovation and trade diversification.
- Maritime Security: Piracy, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing threaten stability in the Western Indian Ocean.
- Trade Barriers: High logistics costs and limited direct shipping routes restrict bilateral trade.
What Should be the Way Forward to Strengthen Ties Between India and Mauritius?
- Trade, and Economic Partnership: Expand CECPA to include services, fintech, and digital trade.
- Introduce Rupee–Mauritian Rupee payment system and promote Mauritius as India’s financial gateway to Africa and encourage private sector investments, particularly in technology, AI, and financial services.
- Development and Sustainability: Oil spills, and coastal degradation threaten Mauritius’ economy and tourism to contour this prioritize green energy, water security, blue economy projects, climate adaptation, disaster management, and marine conservation.
- Strategic Cooperation: India should enhance Agaléga Island’s infrastructure and surveillance capabilities with Mauritius to boost maritime security, and regional strategic presence under MAHASAGAR.
- Financial and Regulatory Strengthening: Enhance anti-money laundering cooperation and reinforce Mauritius’ role as a global financial hub.
- Cultural and Diaspora Engagement: Promote Indian culture, heritage, Hindi language, scholarships, Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programs, and establish a Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra to engage the diaspora.
Conclusion
India-Mauritius ties are a strategic, economic, and cultural partnership, with India supporting development and security, and Mauritius playing a key role in MAHASAGAR. Strengthening trade, sustainability, and diaspora engagement will ensure a resilient, mutually beneficial relationship.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the strategic and economic significance of Mauritius for India in the context of the MAHASAGAR initiative.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q. A great deal of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India comes from Mauritius than from many major and mature economies like UK and France. Why? (2010)
(a) India has preference for certain countries as regards receiving FDI
(b) India has double taxation avoidance agreement with Mauritius
(c) Most citizens of Mauritius have ethnic identity with India and so they feel secure to invest in India
(d) Impending dangers of global climatic change prompt Mauritius to make huge investments in India.
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (2015)
Exploring the Opportunities and Challenges of GM Crops
12-07-2025
For Prelims: Genetically modified (GM) Mustard, Genetically Modified crops, Bt cotton, Drought-tolerant maize varieties, Golden Rice, C4 rice, Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, Environment Protection Act,1986, Intellectual Property Rights
For Mains: Regulatory Framework for GM Crops in India, Benefits and Issues Related to GM Crops
Source: FE
Why in News?
Amid ongoing trade negotiations, the US is pushing India to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops. However, India has firmly stated that agriculture and dairy are 'sacrosanct red lines,' warning that allowing GM crop imports could threaten farmers' livelihoods and food safety.
What are Genetically Modified (GM) Crops?
- About: Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA is altered using modern genetic engineering technology to introduce or enhance desirable traits such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, or nutritional enhancement.
- Global Adoption: GM crops were first commercialized in the USA in 1994 with the Flavr Savr tomato, engineered to delay ripening.
- As per the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), by 2019, over 17 million farmers across 29 countries cultivated more than 190 million hectares of GM crops.
- Regulatory Framework in India: GM crops in India are regulated under the "Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells" (Rules, 1989) under the Environment Protection Act,1986
- It provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for all activities involving GMOs, covering research and large-scale use, including manufacture, import, storage, sale, and export.
- They apply to genetically engineered organisms, related products, food items, and extend to new gene technologies like cell hybridization and genetic engineering, forming the basis of India’s biosafety regime.


What is the Status of GM Crop Adoption in India?
- Approved GM Crop: Bt cotton is the only genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India (since 2002). It now covers over 90% of India’s cotton area, around 12 million hectares.
- Bt cotton led to a 193% increase in production between 2002 and 2014, making India the second-largest global cotton exporter by 2011–12.
- It also contributed to higher farmer incomes and reduced pesticide use.
- Since 2015, cotton yields have declined from 566 kg/ha (2013–14) to around 436 kg/ha (2023–24).
- India now lags behind China and Brazil, with pest resurgence and absence of updated GM traits cited as key reasons.
- Pending GM Crop Approvals:
- Bt Brinjal: Approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in 2009, but placed under an ongoing moratorium due to public and political concerns.
- HT-Bt Cotton (Herbicide Tolerant): It is a herbicide-tolerant GM variant, is not approved for commercial use in India but is illegally cultivated in several states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. It is estimated to cover 15–25% of total cotton acreage.
- GM Mustard (DMH-11): Granted environmental clearance in 2022, but its commercial release is on hold pending Supreme Court and regulatory approvals.
- Other Crops: GM variants of chickpea, pigeonpea, and sugarcane are at different stages of research, field trials, and regulatory deliberation.
What are the Key Benefits of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops?
- Enhanced Pest & Disease Resistance: GM crops like Bt cotton produce their own insecticides, effectively controlling pests like bollworms.
- Reduced pesticide use lowers costs, improves yields, and minimizes environmental harm, especially in pest-prone regions.
- Climate Resilience & Resource Efficiency: GM crops are developed to withstand drought, salinity, and heat, making them vital in the context of climate change.
- For instance, drought-tolerant maize in Kenya has improved yields in dry seasons.
- Additionally, GM crops like C4 rice and nitrogen-efficient variants aim to maximize output while using less water, fertilizer, and land.
- Nutritional Enhancement (Biofortification): GM technology enables the development of crops fortified with essential nutrients, addressing hidden hunger.
- Eg: Golden Rice (beta-carotene for Vitamin A), iron-rich rice, and zinc-enhanced wheat, targeting malnutrition in countries with limited dietary diversity and poor access to micronutrients.
- Reduced Post-Harvest Losses: GM crops with extended shelf life ( Flavr Savr tomato) help reduce post-harvest losses, especially in regions lacking refrigeration and cold storage.
- Herbicide-tolerant crops enable no-till farming, reducing soil erosion, carbon emissions, and preserving ecosystem health by minimizing pesticide use.
- Innovations in Medicine & Environmental Cleanup: GM crops are being researched for biopharming i.e producing vaccines and therapeutic compounds in plants like bananas and potatoes, potentially lowering healthcare costs and increasing access.
- Moreover, phytoremediation (use of plants to clean up environmental pollutants) using GM plants such as modified poplars helps absorb heavy metals and toxins.
What are the Key Challenges in GM Crop Adoption in India?
- Environmental and Health Concerns: GM crops may cause gene flow to wild species, leading to herbicide-resistant superweeds, while Bt crops can harm non-target insects and reduce biodiversity through monoculture.
- Health concerns include potential allergens, nutritional changes, and long-term safety highlighted by the StarLink corn incident (2000), where animal-feed-only GM corn entered the human food chain.
- Regulatory and Policy Constraints: India’s GM crop approvals are delayed due to regulatory opacity, prolonged moratoriums, and political hesitancy, even for scientifically cleared crops like Bt brinjal and GM mustard.
- Policies such as the Cotton Seed Price Control Order (2015) and mandatory tech transfer provisions have discouraged private R&D, hindering biotech innovation.
- Socio-Economic and Ethical Issues: There are concerns over market concentration, seed dependence, and high input costs for small farmers.
- Ethical issues such as “playing God”, food sovereignty, and community rights challenge public acceptance.
- Cases like Monsanto’s (US-based agricultural biotech company) enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights over GM seeds has led to global disputes over trait fees, seed sovereignty, and patentability, in India, the US and Canada.
- Coexistence, Contamination, and Illegal Cultivation: Coexistence of GM and non-GM crops poses challenges due to cross-pollination, risking organic certification and market access (Oregon GM wheat case, 2013).
- In India, HT-Bt cotton is illegally cultivated on up to 25% of cotton acreage, leading to biosafety risks and a black market for unregulated seeds.
- Resistance Development & Global Competitiveness: Overuse of GM traits has triggered pest and weed resistance, diminishing the effectiveness of Bt cotton and glyphosate-tolerant crops, requiring constant innovation.
- India’s declining cotton exports and turning net importer in 2024–25 signal a loss of global competitiveness due to delayed GM adoption and innovation stagnation.
What Measures Should be Taken for Responsible Adoption of GM Crops in India?
- Transparent, Science-Based Regulation: India should restructure its GM crop approval process to be time-bound, evidence-based, and managed by an independent authority with multi-stakeholder input.
- Ensure transparent field trials with public data access and independent oversight, along with long-term impact studies and regular ecological reviews to address biosafety and biodiversity.
- Strengthen PPP & Indigenous R&D: Promote collaborative biotech research through a Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) framework that balances innovation with public interest. Reform disincentives like the Cotton Seed Price Control Order (2015) and mandatory tech transfer norms.
- Support development of region-specific GM crops suited to Indian conditions and nutrition needs, with clear IPR-sharing mechanisms and increased funding for biofortified crop R&D.
- Inclusive and Responsible GM Crop Governance: Adopt farmer-centric policies ensuring access to quality seeds, training, insurance, and participation in decision-making, while preventing seed monopolies and preserving indigenous varieties through a national gene bank.
- Ensure coexistence of GM and non-GM crops via buffer zones and isolation distances, and implement robust GM labeling, public awareness, and strict enforcement against illegal cultivation.
- Global Standards & Nutrition Focus: Engage in international forums to harmonize biosafety norms and trade regulations. Prioritize biofortified GM crops like Golden Rice, iron-rich pulses, and zinc-enriched wheat to address micronutrient deficiencies. Launch pilot programs with health experts to demonstrate tangible health benefits.
Conclusion
India’s GM crop journey, marked by the success of Bt cotton and a prolonged policy deadlock reflects the tension between scientific potential and regulatory hesitation. In the face of climate challenges, nutritional deficiencies, and trade vulnerabilities, a science-driven, farmer-focused, and innovation-enabling approach is essential. As former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee rightly said, “What IT is to India, BT is to Bharat”, a vision that must now be translated into action.
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Drishti Mains Question
How can genetically modified crops contribute to India’s food and nutritional security amid climate change and growing population? Evaluate the potential and risks associated with their widespread adoption.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q1. Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? (2012)
- To enable them to withstand drought
- To increase the nutritive value of the produce
- To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
- To increase their shelf life
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Q2. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of (2021)
(a) clonal propagation of crop plants
(b) developing genetically modified crop plants
(c) production of plant growth substances
(d) production of biofertilizers
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (2019)
World Population Day 2025 and India's Youth
12-07-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
World Population Day, observed on 11th July, was established by the UN in 1989 to raise awareness about population issues and reproductive health rights.
- The theme for World Population Day 2025 is “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world,” which focuses on empowering youth to make informed choices about sexual and reproductive health.
What is the Status of Youth in India?
- Youth Demographic Profile: According to UNICEF, India has the world’s largest youth population, with 371 million people in the 15 to 29 age group.
- As per the Technical Group on Population Projections (2021), youth (15–29 years) accounted for 27.2% of the population in 2021, but are projected to decline to 22.7% by 2036.
- Demographic Significance: A large youth population enhances workforce participation and reduces dependency ratios, creating a demographic dividend for growth.
- Policy & Governance: Department of Youth Affairs, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is the nodal agency for youth-related policies and programs.
- Its twin objectives are personality development and nation-building.
- Evolution of Youth Policy:
- National Youth Policy, 1988: It was India’s first structured youth policy, stressing their role in national development and focusing on personality and skill development.
- National Youth Policy 2003: The National Youth Policy 2003, replacing the 1988 policy, defined youth as 13–35 years and aimed to promote patriotism, social justice, and national integration.
- National Youth Policy 2014: National Youth Policy 2014 replaced the 2003 policy, defines youth as 15–29 years, and envisions empowering them to realize their full potential and enable India to excel on the global stage. It outlined 5 key objectives and 11 priority areas.
- National Youth Policy 2024: The Government has updated the National Youth Policy (NYP) 2014 and released a draft for NYP 2024, outlining a 10-year vision for youth development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key highlights are:
- Roadmap to achieve youth development goals by 2030.
- Alignment with NEP 2020 to enhance career and life skills.
- Promotion of leadership, volunteering, and technology-driven empowerment.
- Focus on mental and reproductive health, sports, and fitness.
- Commitment to safety, justice, and support for marginalized youth.
What Opportunities Does India's Youth Population Present?
- Demographic Dividend Advantage: A youth-dominated population leads to a lower dependency ratio and more economically active citizens, which can boost GDP growth and per capita income.
- According to the World Bank and NITI Aayog, tapping this potential could add up to USD 1 trillion to India’s GDP by 2030.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Driven by young entrepreneurs, India’s startup ecosystem has flourished, with the Startup India initiative playing a key role in promoting a youth-led culture of innovation.
- Global Workforce Advantage: India’s youth workforce can address global talent shortages in sectors like tech, healthcare, and engineering, while competitive labor costs position the country as a prime hub for manufacturing and services.
- E.g., Facing an ageing population, Germany and Japan are turning to India to fill its labour gap with skilled workers.
- Social & Cultural Influence: Indian youth are challenging stereotypes, advancing gender equality, and leading social change, while also expanding India’s soft power globally through films, music, and digital content.
- E.g., Youth-led movements like Pinjra Tod (Break the Cage) fight for women’s rights and freedom.
- Strengthening Democracy: Engaging youth through initiatives like the National Service Scheme (NSS) fosters civic awareness, leadership, and strengthens democratic accountability.
- E..g, Through Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Prime Minister mobilized youth as key drivers of cleanliness, behavioural change, and community leadership.
What are the Key Challenges Faced by Youth in India?
- Sexual & Reproductive Health Issues: India faces a high rate of unintended pregnancies (36%) and unmet reproductive goals (30%), with 23% experiencing both.
- Though child marriage has declined, it still exists at 23.3% nationally (NFHS-5).
- Gender Inequality: Patriarchal norms limit young women's autonomy in education, employment, and decision-making, with many lacking access to gender-sensitive workplaces, skills training, and financial independence.
- Mental Health Crisis: Youth are facing a mental health crisis marked by increasing stress, anxiety, and depression, along with a lack of accessible support and persistent stigma.
- In 2020-22, India recorded over 60,700 deaths due to suicide in the 15–29 age group, the highest in the world.
- Employment Crisis: A skill mismatch between education and job market needs has led to rising unemployment among educated youth, while many are forced into unstable gig economy jobs with limited benefits.
- Substance Abuse: Youth are increasingly vulnerable to drug addiction, driven by peer pressure and stress, with a lack of adequate rehabilitation facilities worsening the issue.
Government’s Initiatives Related to Youth
What Steps Should Be Taken to Empower Youth in India?
- Education Revolution: Promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving by overhauling rote learning under the National Education Policy 2020, ensure digital literacy, and integrate vocational training into school curricula.
- Job-Linked Skill Development: Encourage apprenticeship opportunities in large companies under PM National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), launch upskilling missions in emerging sectors, and promote youth entrepreneurship through financial support.
- Healthcare Access: Establish accessible mental health support, ensure nutrition security through fortified meals, and enhance reproductive health services with free contraceptives in rural areas.
- Sports & Arts Infrastructure: Expand sports and arts infrastructure by strengthening rural training facilities, offering financial support to young artists, and promoting international cultural exchange programs for talented youth.
- Digital Empowerment: Bridge the digital divide by expanding internet access, building youth digital skills, and strengthening Digital India for inclusive digital growth.
Conclusion
India’s youth, the world’s largest, offer a transformative demographic dividend. To harness this potential, India must address challenges like unemployment, mental health, and gender gaps while boosting education, skills, and innovation. Strategic policies and inclusive growth can empower youth to drive India’s global rise, ensuring sustainable development and equitable progress.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the challenges faced by India’s youth in realizing their full potential. Suggest measures to convert these challenges into opportunities.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Disguised unemployment generally means (2013)
(a) large number of people remain unemployed
(b) alternative employment is not available
(c) marginal productivity of labour is zero
(d) productivity of workers is low
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (2023)
Q. The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favor of your answer. (2015)
Information Technology Amendment Rules, 2026
12-02-2026
Source: TH
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026, amending the 2021 Rules under the IT Act, 2000.
- Effective from the 20th February 2026, the new framework tightens norms for synthetic media and content removal.
- Drastic Reduction in Takedown Timelines: Social media platforms must now remove content deemed illegal by a court or "appropriate government" within 3 hours (reduced from the earlier 24-36 hour window).
- Sensitive content, specifically non-consensual nudity and deepfakes, must be taken down within 2 hours of reporting.
- Definition of "Synthetic" Content: The rules define synthetic content as audio-visual information created or altered algorithmically that appears "indistinguishable from a natural person or real-world event."
- A specific exemption is provided for minor touch-ups automatically performed by smartphone cameras, ensuring everyday photo enhancements are not penalized.
- Mandatory Disclosure and Labeling: The rules mandate that AI-generated imagery be labelled “prominently.”
- Platforms must seek disclosures from users if their content is AI-generated.
- If a user fails to disclose, the platform is obligated to either proactively label the content "prominently" or take it down (specifically in cases of non-consensual deepfakes).
- Loss of Safe Harbour: Failure to comply with these rules puts the intermediary’s Safe Harbour protection at risk (immunity from legal liability for third-party content under Section 79 of the IT Act).
- Intermediaries that knowingly permit, promote, or fail to act on violative synthetic content will be deemed to have failed "due diligence."
- Administrative Flexibility for States: States can designate multiple authorised officers for issuing takedown orders.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Education
12-02-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
Experts have emphasized that for educational institutions to truly harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), they must move beyond mere technical literacy and integrate the "Three A’s" of AI—Adoption, Absorption, and Application into their curriculum.
- This approach aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions a technology-driven educational ecosystem to prepare students for a future where AI is ubiquitous.
Summary
- The “Three A’s” framework—Adoption, Absorption, and Application— provides a structured roadmap for integrating Artificial Intelligence into education, aligning with NEP 2020’s vision of a technology-driven learning ecosystem that promotes critical thinking, ethical awareness, and real-world problem-solving over rote learning.
- Effective AI integration requires addressing challenges such as infrastructure gaps, data sovereignty, cognitive dependency, teacher capacity, and exam reforms, through measures like a Sovereign AI Cloud, AI Citizenship courses, process-based evaluation, and teacher training reforms.
What is the Three A's Framework for AI in Education?
- The "Three A's" framework provides a structured approach for educational institutions to transition from traditional rote learning to AI-ready pedagogy.
Adoption (The Foundation)
- Definition: The initial phase of accepting and introducing AI tools into the educational ecosystem. It involves familiarizing students and faculty with AI interfaces (like Large Language Models (LLMs)) and digital tools.
- Objective: To ensure that the "fear of the unknown" is replaced by digital literacy and accessibility.
- Skills Obtained:
- AI Literacy & Tool Fluency: The ability to navigate various AI interfaces (e.g., LLMs like Gemini/ChatGPT, image generators) comfortably.
- Basic Prompt Engineering: Learning how to structure queries effectively to get the desired output from an AI model.
- Digital Adaptability: The psychological agility to embrace new digital tools rather than resisting them (overcoming "technophobia").
- Resource Optimization: Identifying which tasks can be automated (e.g., summarizing texts, drafting emails) to save time.
Absorption (The Conceptualisation)
- Definition: Deepening the understanding of how AI works, rather than just using it as a black box. Comprehending the underlying logic, limitations, and ethical implications of AI. It involves understanding why an AI gives a specific output.
- Objective: To foster critical thinking so students can distinguish between AI-generated hallucinations and factual data, ensuring they remain the "masters" of the technology.
- Skills Obtained:
- Critical Thinking & Fact-Checking: The ability to audit AI outputs, and verify facts against primary sources.
- Algorithmic Awareness: Understanding the basic logic of how AI thinks (probability vs. certainty) and its limitations.
- Ethical Reasoning: The capacity to identify bias (gender, racial, cultural) in AI responses and understand data privacy concerns.
- Cognitive Offloading: Knowing when to use AI for support vs. when to rely on human intellect to avoid dependency.
Application (The Execution)
- Definition: The practical use of AI to solve real-world problems and innovate.
- Objective: To create "value creators" and innovators rather than just passive consumers of technology.
- Skills Obtained:
- Complex Problem Solving: The ability to apply AI tools to specific real-world domains (e.g., using AI to predict weather patterns in Geography)
- Design Thinking & Innovation: Using AI as a co-pilot to brainstorm, prototype, and create new solutions or products.
- Data Analytics & Interpretation: Using AI to process large datasets (e.g., census data) and deriving actionable insights from them.
What is the Significance of Integrating AI in Curriculum?
- Shift from Rote Learning to Competency: The Three A’s push the curriculum away from memorization (which AI can do better) toward critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
- Personalised Learning: AI allows for "Democratisation of Personalised Tuition." Tools can adapt to a student's learning pace, offering remedial help or advanced challenges as needed (Adaptive Learning).
- Future-Ready Workforce: With the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicting that 39% of workers' core skills will change by 2030, fluency in "Applying" AI will be a non-negotiable employability metric.
- Bridging the Language Divide: AI-powered translation tools (like Bhashini) can help students absorb complex technical concepts in their mother tongue, breaking the "English-only" barrier in higher education.
What are the Key Challenges of Integrating AI in Curriculum?
- Infrastructure Deficit: Unlike Japan’s "GIGA School" program (Global and Innovation Gateway for All), which ensures a "One Student, One Device" policy with high-processing tablets, Indian government schools often rely on shared, low-power devices.
- Most affordable devices in rural India lack the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) power required to run "Small Language Models" (SLMs) locally.
- Cognitive Atrophy: Just as widespread GPS usage eroded human spatial navigation skills, there is a fear of "Cognitive Offloading."
- If students use AI to generate the process (e.g., writing code or structuring an essay) rather than just the product, they may fail to develop the necessary neural pathways for critical thinking and logic.
- Evaluation Crisis: The current examination system tests "memory" and "output," which AI excels at.
- There is a lag in shifting to "process-based assessment" (vivas, in-class problem solving) which effectively filters out AI dependency.
- Data Sovereignty & Privacy: In the absence of a sovereign "Indian Education Cloud," students currently use free tiers of global LLMs.
- This means sensitive learning data and intellectual property of Indian students are processed on foreign servers, raising concerns about National Data Sovereignty.
- Bias in Training Data: Most Global LLMs are trained on Western datasets (WEIRD - Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic).
- This can lead to "Cultural Hallucinations," where AI provides contextually irrelevant or culturally biased answers to Indian societal problems.
- The "Black Box" Teacher Dilemma: There is a capability mismatch where students often possess higher "Adoption" skills (using AI tools) than their teachers.
- Teachers may not be able to teach the limitations or logic of AI if they themselves view it as a magical "Black Box."
- This leads to a scenario where educators cannot effectively audit or grade AI-assisted assignments.
What Measures can Strengthen AI Integration in Education?
- National Educational Technology Forum (NETF): As envisioned in NEP 2020, the NETF must prioritize creating a "Sovereign AI Cloud" for education.
- This would allow rural schools to access powerful AI models via low-end devices without needing expensive hardware, bridging the Compute Divide.
- Mandatory "AI Citizenship" Course: A core module on Data Privacy, Algorithmic Bias, and Intellectual Property Rights must be introduced from Class 8 onwards. Students should not just be coders but conscientious guardians of technology.
- Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE): Adopt a formative assessment model that tracks the learning journey (how a student arrived at an answer, their query history, and their critical thinking process) rather than just the final answer.
- This directly mirrors modern recruitment standards in a corporate environment that demands transparent, replicable, and critical problem-solving skills.
- Teacher Training 2.0: Launch a nationwide "Train the Trainer" mission (similar to NISHTHA) specifically focused on AI pedagogy, ensuring teachers are comfortable co-teaching with AI assistants.
Conclusion
The integration of the "Three A's" is not merely a technological upgrade but a civilizational imperative. By moving from passive Adoption to critical Absorption and innovative Application, India can transition its demographic dividend from being "consumers of global tech" to "creators of global solutions," ensuring that in the age of Artificial Intelligence, human intelligence remains the master.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Examine how National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions a technology-driven educational ecosystem. What structural reforms are necessary for effective AI integration?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Three A’s framework for AI in education?
It is a structured model comprising Adoption (AI literacy), Absorption (critical and ethical understanding), and Application (real-world problem solving) to transition from rote learning to AI-ready pedagogy.
2. How does NEP 2020 support AI integration in education?
NEP 2020 envisions a technology-driven ecosystem and proposes bodies like the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) to guide digital and AI-based reforms.
3. What is the concern regarding Data Sovereignty in AI-enabled education?
Use of global LLMs processes student data on foreign servers, raising concerns about National Data Sovereignty, privacy, and intellectual property security.
4. Why is process-based assessment important in the AI era?
Since AI excels at output generation, evaluation must shift toward formative, process-based methods like vivas and in-class problem solving to assess critical thinking.
5. What is the risk of Cognitive Offloading in AI-based learning?
Excessive reliance on AI for generating processes (e.g., essays, coding logic) may weaken neural pathways for reasoning, critical thinking, and independent analysis.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Mains
Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (2020)
Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
12-01-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Union government recently marked one year of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (BVMB) by launching a nationwide 100-day awareness campaign, reaffirming India’s commitment to the United Nations target of ending child marriage by 2030.
Summary
- Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan represents India’s shift from a purely legal response to a preventive, community-driven, and technology-enabled strategy to eliminate child marriage by 2030, aligned with SDG 5.3.
- Despite significant decline in prevalence, deep-rooted socio-economic, educational, and gender inequalities continue to sustain child marriage, necessitating a holistic CHAINS–BREAK approach combining education, enforcement, economic security, awareness, and protection.
What is Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan?
- About: BVMB was launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, to eliminate child marriage and make India child marriage-free by 2030.
- Objectives: The campaign aims to reduce the prevalence of child marriage by 10% by 2026 and completely eradicate the practice by 2030.
- Its broader goal is to protect children’s rights, delay the age of marriage, promote girls’ education, and address the social norms and economic vulnerabilities that sustain early marriage.
- Legal and Constitutional Foundation of BVMB: It is grounded in Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and dignity, and is supported by the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006.
- It is further strengthened by the Supreme Court’s judgment in Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action & Anr v. Union of India & Ors (2024), which emphasised prevention, banned child betrothals, and directed States to create stronger institutional mechanisms against child marriage.
- Key Components of the BVM: The Abhiyan rests on dedicated Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) at district and sub-district levels, a technology-enabled BVMB portal for real-time reporting and monitoring, and large-scale community engagement involving schools, Anganwadis, Panchayats, NGOs, youth groups, and religious leaders.
- Progress under BVMB: The campaign has led to proactive prevention through awareness drives, counselling, injunctions, and rapid response systems.
- International organisations like UNICEF have provided technical support, while model successes such as Balod district of Chhattisgarh becoming India’s first child marriage-free district and Surajpur of Chhattisgarh declaring 75 child marriage-free panchayats highlight the impact of sustained local action.
What is Child Marriage?
- About: Child marriage refers to a marital union where one or both parties are below the legally prescribed age of marriage.
- In India, this means a girl below 18 years or a boy below 21 years, as defined under the PCMA, 2006.
- Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, sexual relations with a wife below 18 years amount to rape, and the Supreme Court has clarified that penetrative sexual assault by the husband of a child bride constitutes aggravated penetrative sexual assault punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, making child marriage not only a social evil but also a criminal offence.
- Global Prevelance of Child Marriages: Ending child marriage is a core target under the UN SDG 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- Target 5.3 specifically calls for eliminating child, early, and forced marriage, along with other harmful practices.
- Progress is measured by the share of women aged 20–24 married before 18.
- Despite efforts, in 2023, UNICEF estimated that around 64 crore girls worldwide were married in childhood.
- The practice is most prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America and the Middle East.
- Experts warn that without much faster progress (nearly 20 times the current pace), the world will miss the 2030 target and fall short on several other development goals related to health, education, poverty, and gender equality.
- India and Child Marriages: India has sharply reduced child marriage from 47.4% in 2005–06 to 23.3% in 2019–21, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-2021), though progress slowed after 2015–16.
- However, India accounts for nearly one-third of the world’s child brides.
- Large regional disparities persist, with the highest rates in West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura, and the lowest in Lakshadweep, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, and Nagaland.
- Sharp disparities exist by education and income: 48% of girls with no education marry before 18 compared to 4% with higher education, while 40% from the poorest households marry early versus 8% from the richest.
What are the India’s Initiatives to Curb Child Marriage?
- Legal Framework:
- PCMA, 2006 Defines child as a male under 21 years or female under 18 years, makes child marriage a cognizable and non-bailable offence, and allows annulment of child marriages.
- It prescribes punishment for adult groom and those who abet or perform the marriage.
- POCSO Act, 2012: Criminalises sexual relations with a wife below 18 years of age, treating them as rape and other sexual offences under the Act.
- Major Campaign:
- Socio-Economic Incentives:
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Encourages savings for girl child’s education and future, reducing economic pressure for early marriage
- Kanyashree Prakalpa (West Bengal): Annual scholarship (13–18 years) and one-time grant (18–19 years) if the girl remains unmarried and continues education
- Kalyana Lakshmi / Shaadi Mubarak (Telangana): Financial assistance for marriage only if the bride is 18+ years, discouraging child marriage.
- Institutional Mechanisms:
- Childline 1098: 24×7 emergency helpline to rescue children at risk of forced or early marriage
- Child Welfare Committees (CWCs): Quasi-judicial bodies deciding care, protection, rehabilitation, and best interest of rescued children.
What are the Key Challenges in Ending Child Marriage in India and Measures to Eliminate It?
Child marriage continues because children remain trapped in CHAIN of poverty, patriarchy, and weak institutions. Breaking these constraints requires a BREAK-based strategy focused on education, enforcement, economic security, awareness, and protection.
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Challenges (CHAIN)
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Way Forward (BREAK)
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Cultural Norms & Traditions: Social acceptance of early marriage, driven by honour, caste norms, and child betrothals, remains a major challenge as it normalises the practice and weakens legal enforcement.
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Boost Girls’ Education: Schemes like Samagra Shiksha and the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education improve retention in secondary schooling, the strongest deterrent to early marriage (NFHS-5).
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Household Poverty: Economic insecurity push families to view early marriage as a survival strategy to reduce financial burden and dowry-related pressures
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Reform and Strengthen Enforcement: The proposal to raise the minimum age of marriage for women to 21 years seeks to promote higher education, skill development, labour force participation, and further discourage child marriages.
- The BVMB strengthens enforcement through full-time CMPOs, district monitoring, and real-time reporting
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Access Gaps in Education: Limited access to quality secondary education and high dropout rates increase vulnerability to child marriage, especially among rural and marginalised girls.
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Economic Support to Families: Livelihood and social security schemes such as DAY-NRLM and National Social Assistance Programme reduce poverty-driven early marriages by stabilising household incomes.
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Ineffective Implementation of Laws: Weak enforcement of child marriage laws, overburdened officials, and low conviction rates dilute deterrence and allow the practice to continue unchecked.
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Awareness and Community Ownership: Programmes like Poshan Abhiyaan and Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram leverage Anganwadis and peer educators to change norms and delay marriage.
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Normative Gender Inequality: Deep-rooted gender inequality restricts girls’ autonomy and prioritises early marriage over education, reinforcing patriarchal control over female sexuality.
- Fears of harassment, violence, or social backlash compel families to marry girls early as a perceived means of protection.
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Keep girls Safe and Empowered: Initiatives such as Mission Shakti and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls strengthen safety, life skills, and health support, enabling girls to resist early marriage.
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Conclusion
India’s fight against child marriage has evolved from early social reform movements led by Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule to a robust legal and institutional framework. Contemporary initiatives like BVMB build on this legacy through prevention, technology, and community action. With sustained collective effort, India can realise a child marriage–free future aligned with dignity, equality, and development.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Despite legal prohibition, child marriage persists in India. Examine the socio-economic and institutional factors responsible and suggest a way forward.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan?
A national campaign launched in 2024 to eliminate child marriage by 2030 through prevention, community engagement, and technology-enabled monitoring.
2. Which law primarily governs child marriage in India?
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which defines legal age, provides penalties, and enables prevention mechanisms.
3. What did the Supreme Court rule in 2024 on child marriage?
It banned child betrothals, emphasised prevention over punishment, and directed States to strengthen institutional enforcement.
4. What does NFHS data reveal about child marriage in India?
Child marriage declined to 23.3% (2019–21) but remains high among poorer, less-educated, and certain regional populations.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. (2016).
Q. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (2020)
Census 2027
12-01-2026
Source: IE
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the commencement of house-listing operations for Census of India 2027, marking the start of preparations for the 16th Census, the first nationwide census exercise since 2011.
Key Highlights of Census 2027
- Phased Timeline: It follows a 2-phase structure, i.e., Phase I (2026) for House-listing and Housing Census, and Phase II (2027) for Population Enumeration.
- House-listing operations will occur from 1st April to 30th September, 2026, with each State and Union Territory completing them within a 30-day window.
- The population enumeration reference date will be 1st March, 2027 (for most of the country), or 1st October, 2026, for snow-bound and remote regions like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
- Legal Basis: The Census is being conducted under Sections 3 and 17A of the Census Act, 1948 by the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI), and supersedes the 2020 notification for the deferred 2021 Census.
- Digital and Self-Enumeration: It will be India's first digital census, with a formal provision for a 15-day self-enumeration window allowing households to submit data online before an enumerator's visit.
- It will involve digital tools including GPS tagging, offline data capture (for low-connectivity areas), cloud uploads, and and a Census Management and Monitoring System for near-real-time supervision.
- Expanded Data Points: House-listing includes 34 columns with new parameters: internet access, smartphone ownership, type of gas connection (PNG/LPG), vehicle categorization, drinking water source, and cereal consumption.
- Historic & Political Significance: It will include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931 (beyond SCs/STs) and will form the basis for future delimitation of electoral constituencies once the constitutional freeze is lifted.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
11-12-2025
Source: PIB
The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) – FPO Sangam was successfully hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, with over 72 Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO)s from 15 states participating.
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
- About: PMDDKY (2025–26 to 2030–31) is a comprehensive farm programme designed to enhance productivity, promote sustainable practices, and improve livelihoods. It converges 36 existing schemes from 11 departments.
- The fund is allocated with 40% for subsidies, 30% for infrastructure, 20% for loans, and 10% for training and market support.
- Key Objectives: Boost agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, enhance post-harvest storage and value addition, support women and youth in allied sectors, and achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains, pulses, and oilseeds.
- District Selection Criteria: Districts are selected based on low crop productivity (below national averages), moderate cropping intensity (under 1.55 crop cycles per year), and low credit access (typically below 30% farmer coverage).
- Implementation Structure: Each selected district will establish a District DDKY Samiti, chaired by the District Collector, to implement the District Agriculture Development Plan (DADP), with oversight provided by 100 Central Nodal Officers (primarily Joint Secretaries).


Strengthening the National Commission for Minorities
11-12-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has not committed to any timeline for filling the long-pending vacancies in the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), even after the Delhi High Court sought a response from the government over the delay.
- The NCM has been headless since April 2025, with all posts of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members remaining vacant.
What is the National Commission for Minorities (NCM)?
- About: The NCM is a statutory body set up under the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act, 1992 to safeguard the rights and interests of minorities and ensure their protection and development.
- The first Commission was constituted on 17th May 1993.
- Origin: The Minorities Commission (MC) was set up in 1978 by a Ministry of Home Affairs Resolution and moved to the Ministry of Welfare in 1984. In 1988, linguistic minorities were excluded from its jurisdiction.
- Composition: The NCM consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and 5 Members, all nominated by the Central Government from persons of eminence, ability, and integrity.
- At least five members, including the Chairperson, must belong to notified minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, and Jain).
- Mandate and Duration: It has quasi-judicial powers, and each member serves a 3-year term from the date of joining.
- Removal:

Who are Considered Minorities in India, and What Constitutional Safeguards are Provided to Them?
- About Minorities: The term 'Minority' is not explicitly defined in the Constitution of India; however, it recognizes the existence of religious and linguistic minorities.
- The NCM Act, 1992 provides a statutory definition, specifying a minority as a community officially notified as such by the Central Government
- Minority Communities: Under the NCM Act, 1992, the Ministry of Welfare, through a 1993 notification, officially designated five religious communities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Zoroastrians (Parsis)—as minority communities.
- This list was later expanded in 2014 to include Jains as the sixth notified minority community.
- Minorities Population:

- Constitutional Safeguards for Minorities:

What are the Major Challenges Faced by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM)?
- Chronic Vacancies: The NCM has been largely non-functional because all key positions—Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members—are vacant, despite Delhi High Court reminders to fill them.
- Limited Autonomy: Appointments are made at the Central Government’s discretion, raising concerns about the NCM’s independence and political neutrality, and undermining its role as an impartial watchdog.
- Ambiguity in "Minority" Definition: Minority status is based only on religion, excluding linguistic or ethnic minorities, raising debates on uniform recognition and state-level minorities.
- Advisory Nature and Lack of Enforcement Power: As a statutory body, the Commission can only recommend actions to the Government, but its decisions are not binding, and it cannot enforce or penalize, limiting its effectiveness.
- Erosion of Institutional Credibility: A defunct Commission increases judicial burden, as people bypass it for court intervention, and may draw international scrutiny over India’s minority protection commitments.
What Measures can Strengthen Functioning of the National Commission for Minorities?
- Legislative and Institutional Reforms: Upgrade NCM to a Constitutional body (like NCSC/NCST) or amend the NCM Act, 1992 to make its recommendations binding, and establish transparent appointment criteria to ensure independence.
- Functional Empowerment: Empower NCM to take suo motu action, impose penalties for non-compliance, and strengthen its investigation wing with a dedicated, trained team for independent probes.
- Judicial Oversight and Review: Enable courts to oversee NCM orders and use its reports in PILs, while promoting public engagement through hearings, consultations, and awareness campaigns.
- Integration with Broader Governance: Integrate NCM with monitoring of minority welfare schemes (e.g., scholarships, skill development) to assess ground-level implementation.
- Create a standing inter-ministerial committee with Home, Education, Social Justice, and Minority Affairs ministries for coordinated policy action.
- Learning from Global Best Practices: Adopt international models like South Africa’s Commission for Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities or the UK Equality and Human Rights Commission for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Conclusion
The chronic vacancies and structural weaknesses plaguing the NCM have crippled its constitutional mandate to protect minority rights. Urgent reforms, including timely appointments, legislative empowerment, and enhanced autonomy, are essential to restore its credibility as an effective watchdog and safeguard India's pluralistic fabric.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. "The protection of minority rights is a cornerstone of a vibrant democracy." In light of this statement, critically examine the constitutional safeguards for minorities in India and the efficacy of the National Commission for Minorities in enforcing them.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the National Commission for Minorities (NCM)?
A statutory body under the NCM Act, 1992, to safeguard minority rights, with a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and five Members nominated by the Central Government.
Q. Which communities are officially recognized as minorities under the NCM Act, 1992?
Six religious communities are notified: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis (Zoroastrians), and Jains. Jains were added in 2014.
Q. What is the population share of minorities in India?
According to Census 2011, minorities constitute approximately 19.3% of India’s total population.
Summary
- The NCM, a key statutory watchdog for minority rights, is defunct as all posts have been vacant since April 2025, undermining its mandate.
- Its structural weaknesses include an advisory role, government-controlled appointments, and a religion-only minority definition.
- While constitutional safeguards (e.g., Article 30) exist, enforcement depends on a functional NCM; its paralysis increases judicial burden and erodes community trust.
- Urgent reforms—timely appointments, constitutional or binding statutory status, suo motu and penal powers, and transparent selection—are needed to restore its credibility and efficacy.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. In India, if a religious sect/community is given the status of a national minority, what special advantages is it entitled to? (2011)
- It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions.
- The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to Lok Sabha.
- It can derive benefits from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Q. What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950? (2021)
(a) A Democratic Republic
(b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic
(c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic
(d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic
Ans: (b)
Q. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is (2020)
(a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect
(b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either
(c) a part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part
(d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (2018)
Legal Aid in India
11-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Chief Justice of India stressed that “legal aid is not charity but a moral duty” and “a crucial aspect of governance, ensuring the rule of law reaches every corner of the country”. He made these remarks at the National Conference on Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms.
- The event was held on National Legal Services Day ( 9th November 2025), which marks the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, that came into force on 9th November 1995 and led to the creation of institutions providing free legal aid.

What is the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987?
- Constitutional Responsibility, not Mere Charity: The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 puts into action the constitutional vision of equal justice and free legal aid.
- It draws strength from the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) under Article 39A, which directs the State to provide legal aid so that justice is not denied on economic grounds, and complements the guarantee of equality before the law under Article 14.
- It also reflects the spirit of Article 21, where the right to life and personal liberty includes fair legal procedures, and Article 22, which protects the rights of arrested persons with access to legal counsel.
- Together, these provisions reinforce the Act’s purpose of making justice accessible for individuals facing poverty, social marginalisation, or other disadvantages.

- Eligibility: Free legal services under the Act are available to members of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities, victims of trafficking or begar, all women and children, persons with mental illness or disabilities, and those affected by disasters or caste and ethnic violence.
- Industrial workmen and individuals in custody, including in protective homes, juvenile homes, or mental health institutions, are also covered.
- People with annual income below the notified limit (generally between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 3 lakh for lower courts), and below Rs 5 lakh for cases before the Supreme Court are also eligible.
Institutional Framework
- Legal Services Authorities: The Act establishes a three-tier structure of legal aid authorities:
- National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) (headed by the Chief Justice of India).
- The National Legal Aid Fund supports NALSA through central grants and donations.
- State Legal Services Authorities (headed by the Chief Justice of the High Court).
- The State Legal Aid Fund receives central or state contributions.
- District Legal Services Authorities (headed by the District Judge).
- The District Legal Aid Fund is supported by state funding and local donations.
- Between 2022-23 and 2024-25, more than 44.22 lakh people received free legal aid and advice through these authorities.
- Lok Adalats: The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 gives the statutory recognition to Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats to facilitate amicable and speedy settlement of disputes at both pre-litigation and pending stages.
- From 2022–23 to 2024–25, more than 23.5 crore cases were settled through national, state and permanent Lok Adalats, reflecting their central role in clearing pendency and reducing litigation costs.

What are the Key Initiatives/Institutes Supporting the Vision of Accessible Legal Aid?
Key Initiatives
- Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme: The LADCS scheme by NALSA provides free legal defense in criminal cases for eligible beneficiaries under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
- As of September 2025, it operates in 668 districts, disposing of 7.86 lakh of 11.46 lakh assigned cases.
- Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA): The Department of Justice is implementing the five-year DISHA scheme (2021–26) to advance the constitutional promise of justice through programmes like the Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme (LLLAP).
- Its key components include Tele-Law, Pro Bono Legal Services (Nyaya Bandhu), and legal literacy initiatives, while leveraging technology and simplified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material to improve legal awareness and outreach.
- About 2.10 crore people (as of February 2025) received pre-litigation advice, pro bono services, legal representation, and awareness under DISHA.

Institutions Supporting the Vision
- Fast-Track Courts (FTCs): Created to speed up trials in heinous offences and sensitive civil matters involving women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and long-pending property cases.
- 14th Finance Commission recommended 1,800 FTCs during 2015-20, 865 FTCs are currently functional as of June 30, 2025.
- Fast-Track Special Courts (FTSCs): Established under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (2019) to try serious sexual offences, including cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
- 725 FTSCs, including 392 exclusive POCSO courts, functional across 29 States/UTs (June 2025).
- Gram Nyayalayas: Established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 as grassroots courts for quick, affordable justice in rural areas.
- 488 Gram Nyayalayas functional as of March 2025.
- Nari Adalats: It is a component of the "Sambal" sub-scheme under Mission Shakti, it aims to provide women with an alternate Grievance Redressal Mechanism.
- They function at the Gram Panchayat level to resolve domestic and gender-based violence through negotiation, mediation, and reconciliation.
- Operating in Assam and J&K, and being piloted across multiple states and UTs.
- Exclusive Special Courts (SC/ST Act): Created under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to deal exclusively with offences against SC/ST communities.
What are the Challenges in India’s Legal Aid Delivery?
- Weak Continuity in Policy and Fragmented Implementation: Legal aid initiatives often change direction with new executive chairpersons at NALSA and SLSAs, limiting sustained, long-term progress.
- Absence of institutionalised advisory mechanisms affects planning stability.
- Quality Gaps in Representation: Many free legal aid lawyers treat cases as formality work due to low remuneration and weak incentives, leading to poor-quality defence and low client confidence, weakening trust and case outcomes.
- Free legal aid lawyers are often generalists with limited or no training in specialised domains (POCSO, SC/ST atrocities, immigration) reduces effectiveness in sensitive cases.
- Weak Grassroots Integration: Para-legal volunteers and legal clinics exist, but coordination with local administration, police stations, and community organisations remains inconsistent, limiting reach.
- Societal Hesitation and Stigma: Fear of police, social pressure, and distrust of state institutions discourage victims, especially in domestic and caste-based cases, from seeking help.
- Low Legal Awareness: Many eligible individuals simply do not know that free legal aid exists or how to access it, especially women, migrants, and marginalised groups.
- Campaigns remain formal and urban-centric with limited tailoring for marginalised groups, dialects, or vulnerable workers (migrants, gig workers).
- Data and Outcome Tracking Deficits: Evaluation is largely quantitative (number of cases, camps) rather than outcome-based (quality, success rate, user satisfaction), limiting course correction.
What Reforms are Needed to Advance Legal Aid Delivery in India?
- Expand Capacity-building: The National Judicial Academy’s programmes for judges and legal-aid personnel should be scaled up to build stronger subject expertise and deepen sensitivity to vulnerable groups.
- Introduce performance-linked honorariums and clear evaluation metrics for legal aid lawyers.
- Vision-Based Institutional Planning: Create advisory committees at NALSA/SLSAs, including incoming executive heads, to ensure stable, long-term policy direction.
- Develop multi-year action plans with regular monitoring and public reporting.
- Deepen legal literacy: The LLLAP under DISHA demonstrates the value of targeted communication through regional bodies. Expanding such partnerships can help bridge cultural and linguistic barriers.
- The outreach achieved through Doordarshan’s legal awareness broadcasts shows the potential of coordinated multimedia communication, which can be further strengthened by leveraging mainstream streaming platforms.
- Improve Coordination Across Institutions: Foster joint action between judiciary, executive, legal services authorities, and civil society to ensure smoother referral, counselling, and rehabilitation.
- Focus on Outcomes over Numbers: Move beyond counting disposed cases and awareness camps. Introduce user-feedback systems, quality audits, and periodic impact evaluations to measure dignity, fairness, and satisfaction.
Conclusion
India aims to make justice accessible for all. Free legal aid, Lok Adalats, fast-track courts, and awareness drives have helped crores of people, especially the vulnerable, seek timely and affordable justice.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Legal aid is not charity but governance. Discuss, with reference to the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987?
It operationalises equal justice and free legal aid, aligned with Articles 14, 21 and 22, creating legal services authorities like National Legal Services Authority for nationwide legal aid and ADR via Lok Adalats.
2. Who is eligible for free legal services under Section 12?
Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) members, victims of trafficking/begar, all women and children, persons with mental illness/disabilities, disaster/atrocity victims, industrial workmen, persons in custody, and low-income individuals.
3. What are the flagship schemes supporting legal aid delivery?
Legal Aid Defense Counsel System for criminal defence, DISHA with Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu for literacy, pro bono and digital outreach; PLV training for last-mile support.
4. What are the major legal aid delivery challenges identified?
Poor policy continuity, uneven quality of representation, weak grassroots integration, low specialised capacity, digital divide, and output-heavy but outcome-light monitoring.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements: (2013)
- Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity.
- It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes and schemes throughout the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority(NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India (2023)
Co-Op Kumbh 2025
11-11-2025
Source: IE
The Union Minister of Cooperation inaugurated ‘Co-Op Kumbh 2025’, an international conference on the future of India’s urban cooperative banking sector, and adopted the Delhi Declaration 2025.
Key Outcomes
- Delhi Declaration 2025: It will serve as a roadmap for the expansion of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs).
- Digital Initiatives: Launch of Sahkar Digi-Pay and Sahkar Digi-Loan apps to enable even the smallest UCBs to offer digital payment and loan facilities.
- Expansion Goal: A target to establish one UCB in every city with a population of over 2 lakhs within 5 years.
- Future Initiatives: National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies (NAFCUB) has been directed to onboard 1,500 banks onto Sahkar Digi-Pay within two years; encourage conversion of successful credit societies into UCBs.
- NAFCUB is an Apex Level promotional body for Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies, registered as a Multi-State Cooperative Society in February 1977.
Key Achievements in Cooperative Sector
Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone
11-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India has notified the Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This major step supports India’s Blue Economy vision and fulfills the Union Budget 2025–26 announcement to build a sustainable deep-sea fisheries framework.
- The EEZ Rules aim to unlock India’s underused deep-sea resources, especially tuna. So far, fleets from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indonesia, and Iran have taken most of tuna catch in the Indian Ocean, while Indian boats are limited to the nearshore waters.
What are the Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ?
- Empowering Cooperatives and Community-Led Models: The rules prioritise Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) to conduct deep-sea fishing and manage modern vessels.
- They also encourage the mother–child vessel model to enable mid-sea trans-shipment under Reserve Bank of India monitored procedures.
- The Budget 2025–26 noted India’s position as the world’s second-largest fish and aquaculture producer with seafood exports of about Rs 60,000 crore.
- Prioritising cooperatives, value addition, and stronger traceability and certification is expected to further boost high-value exports.
- Promoting Sustainable Fishing and Mariculture: The rules prohibit harmful practices such as LED-light fishing, pair trawling, and bull trawling.
- They set minimum legal size limits for fish and mandate Fisheries Management Plans with states to protect biodiversity and rebuild declining stocks.
- The rules promote mariculture activities like sea-cage farming and seaweed cultivation to provide alternative livelihoods and reduce nearshore fishing pressure.
- Digital Access Pass Mechanism: Under the EEZ Rules, an Access Pass is required for mechanized and large-sized motorized vessels, which can be obtained free of cost through the online ReALCRaft portal.
- Traditional and small-scale fishers using motorised or non-motorised craft are exempt. Foreign vessels are barred from obtaining passes.
- Regulatory Reforms: Fish caught beyond the contiguous zone (a maritime area extending up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline beyond the territorial sea) in the Indian EEZ is treated as Indian origin under customs and revenue norms.
- This prevents such catches from being classified as imports when landed in Indian ports and enables smoother export accounting.
- Security Measures: The rules improve safety and security through mandatory transponders and QR Coded Aadhaar Card / Fishers ID Card.
- ReALCRaft is integrated with the Nabhmitra app for safe navigation and transponder use, helping the Coast Guard and Navy strengthen coastal security.
- To safeguard small-scale fishers, the rules call for a National Plan of Action to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the EEZ.
ReALCRaft Portal
- It is a national online platform of the Department of Fisheries that enables vessel registration, licensing, ownership transfer, and related services, improving ease of doing business for fishers and coastal States/UTs.
- As of November 2025, about 2.38 lakh vessels are registered on the portal.
- ReALCRaft is being integrated with Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Export Inspection Council (EIC) to issue catch and health certificates, enabling traceability, sanitary compliance, and eco-labelling for high-value seafood exports.
What is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
- About: An “EEZ” is an area of the ocean, generally extending 200 nautical miles (230 miles) beyond a nation’s territorial sea, within which a coastal nation has jurisdiction over both living and nonliving resources.
- The EEZ, adopted under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), grants a coastal state sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources up to 200 nautical miles from its coast.
- It also provides jurisdiction over artificial structures, marine research, and environmental protection.
- India and EEZ: India has an EEZ of over 23 lakh sq km, one of the largest in the world, extending up to 200 nautical miles from its coastline of about 11,099 km.
- This vast marine space supports the livelihoods of more than 50 lakh fishers across 13 coastal States and UTs, contributes significantly to seafood exports, and underpins the country’s Blue Economy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
The EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982), granting the coastal state sovereign rights over exploration, conservation and management of living and non-living resources
2. What are the core features of the new Exclusive Economic Zone Rules?
They prioritise Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations, prohibit harmful practices such as LED-light fishing, pair trawling, and introduce a digital Access Pass through the ReALCRaft portal.
3. What is ReALCRaft Portal?
It is a national online platform of the Department of Fisheries that enables vessel registration, licensing, ownership transfer, and related services, improving ease of doing business for fishers and coastal States/UTs.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: (2022)
- A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
- Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
- The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
11-10-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
Over the past 10 years, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) has become a cornerstone of India’s sustainable agriculture initiatives.
- Due to soil degradation, water pollution, and chemical residues, India launched PKVY in 2015 to promote organic farming, increase farmer incomes, and support sustainable agriculture.
What is Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana?
- About: PKVY is part of the Soil Health Management (SHM) component under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
- The scheme aims to support and promote organic farming, leading to improvements in soil health.
- Promotes the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for India, a locally relevant organic certification based on mutual trust, involving both producers and consumers.
- PGS-India operates outside the "Third Party Certification" system.
- Funding Pattern:
- Central and State Governments share the funding in a 60:40 ratio.
- For North Eastern and Himalayan States, the funding ratio is 90:10 (Centre: State).
- For Union Territories, the assistance is fully funded by the Central Government (100%).
- Eligibility: All farmers and institutions are eligible to apply. However, the maximum landholding for eligibility is 2 hectares.
- Key Features of PKVY
- Cluster-Based Approach: Farmers are organised into clusters of 20 hectares each, enabling shared resources, uniform standards, and cost reduction.
- End-to-End Support: The scheme supports farmers from production to processing, certification, and marketing.
- Training & Capacity Building: Farmers receive guidance on organic techniques, soil fertility improvement, and diversified cropping systems.
- Market Linkages: Encourages direct access to local and national markets, fostering entrepreneurship.
- The Jaivik Kheti Portal has been developed as a dedicated online platform to promote the direct sale of organic products from farmers to consumers.
- Key Benefits Offered Under the Scheme
- Under PKVY, farmers transitioning to organic farming receive ₹31,500 per hectare over a three-year period.
- The largest portion of this support is allocated for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs.

What are the Types of Organic Certification in India?
- Third-Party Certification (NPOP): Managed by accredited agencies under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), it ensures compliance with international standards across production, processing, trading, and exports, enabling Indian farmers to access global organic markets.
- Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India): A farmer-centric, community-based certification under the Ministry of Agriculture, where farmers collectively verify practices and declare produce as organic, primarily serving domestic markets and supporting small and marginal farmers.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.1 How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming? (2021)
- Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant.
- Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
- Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
- Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 4 only
(d) 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q.2 Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’? (2012)
(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
(c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
(d) None of the above
Ans: (c)
Should the 50% Reservation Cap Be Raised?
11-09-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
Bihar’s Opposition leader has proposed increasing quotas to 85% if voted to power, while the Supreme Court has sought the Centre’s response on applying the 'creamy layer' concept to SCs and STs.
- These debates on reservation challenge the 50% constitutional cap and raise concerns about equitable distribution of benefits among marginalised groups.
What are the Key Provisions Related to Reservations in India?
- About: Reservation is a form of positive discrimination aimed at promoting equality for marginalized groups and addressing social and historical injustices. It provides preferential treatment in education and employment to uplift disadvantaged communities.
- At the central level, reservations include 27% for OBCs, 15% for SCs, 7.5% for STs, and 10% for EWS, making a total of about 59.5%, though the share differs across States as per their policies and demographics.

- Key Provisions: The Constitution of India incorporates various provisions to promote social justice and ensure adequate representation for historically disadvantaged communities.
- These provisions span across Part III (Fundamental Rights) and Part XVI (Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes).
- Articles under Part III on Reservation:
- Article 15(3): Empowers the State to make special provisions for women and children.
- Article 15(4): Enables the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including SCs and STs.
- Article 15(5): Allows for reservation in educational institutions (including private, unaided institutions but excluding minority institutions) for socially and educationally backward classes, SCs, and STs.
- Article 15(6): Introduced via the 103rd Constitutional Amendment (2019), allows the State to make special provisions, including reservations, for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among unreserved categories.
- Article 16(4): Permits reservation in appointments/posts for any backward class of citizens not adequately represented in state services.
- Article 16(4A): Allows reservation in promotions for SCs and STs (77th Amendment Act, 1995, modified by the 85th Amendment Act, 2001 to include consequential seniority).
- Article 16(4B): Allows the State to carry forward unfilled reserved vacancies from previous years without breaching the 50% ceiling (81st Amendment Act, 2000).
- Article 16(6): Provides for reservation in public employment for EWS, distinct from the backward class reservations.
- Articles under Part XVI on Reservation:
- Article 330 & 332: Provide for the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, respectively.
- Article 233T: Ensures reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Municipality.
- Article 243D: Mandates reservation for SCs and STs in every Panchayat.
- Article 335: States that the claims of SCs and STs shall be taken into account in the making of appointments to public services and posts, consistent with the maintenance of administrative efficiency.
- Key Judicial Rulings Shaping the Reservation Framework:
- In Balaji vs. State of Mysore, 1962 case, Supreme Court (SC) held that reservations under Articles 15 and 16 must be within "reasonable limits" and should not exceed 50%, viewing them as an exception to equality of opportunity (formal equality).
- In the State of Kerala vs. N.M. Thomas 1975 case, SC recognized ‘substantive equality’, stating that reservations are not an exception but an extension of equality of opportunity.
- In State of Punjab vs. Davinder Singh, 2024, the SC suggested that policies be framed for applying the creamy layer principle within SC/ST reservations. However, the Union Cabinet clarified that the creamy layer exclusion does not apply to SC/ST quotas.

Formal Equality Vs Substantive Equality
- Formal Equality refers to the principle of "equality before the law" and "equal protection of laws" under Article 14, ensuring identical treatment for all citizens regardless of caste, religion, or socio-economic status.
- However, it may overlook historical disadvantages and systemic inequalities, potentially leading to unfair outcomes.
- Substantive Equality focuses on achieving fair outcomes by addressing historical disadvantages and systemic inequalities.
- It goes beyond identical treatment, aiming to provide equitable opportunities and outcomes, and is reflected in policies like reservation. However, it requires differentiated support and its implementation can be complex.
What are the Arguments For and Against Exceeding the 50% Reservation Cap?
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Arguments For
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Arguments Against
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Demographic Justification: Backward classes (OBCs, SCs, STs) constitute over 60% of India’s population, and the current 50% ceiling limits proportional representation.
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Legal Constraints: The SC in Indra Sawhney (1992) reaffirmed the 50% ceiling to balance merit and social justice, allowing exceptions only in extraordinary circumstances.
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Addressing Unequal Benefits: The Rohini Commission (2017-23) found 97% of OBC benefits go to 25% of sub-castes; raising quotas and introducing sub-categorisation could correct this imbalance.
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Implementation Challenges: 40–50% of reserved seats remain unfilled, indicating that raising quotas without improving implementation will not increase representation.
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Promoting Substantive Equality: The SC in State of Kerala vs. N.M. Thomas (1975) stated that reservations are a continuation of equality, not an exception, and should not be limited by numerical caps.
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Creamy Layer Concerns: As the Davinder Singh (2024) case emphasized, intra-caste inequalities within SCs and STs must be addressed. Expanding reservations without excluding the creamy layer could worsen disparities.
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State-Level Precedent: States like Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Maharashtra have implemented reservations beyond 50%, reflecting the need to adapt policies to social realities.
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Administrative Efficiency: Raising quotas excessively could compromise administrative efficiency by sidelining merit, potentially affecting governance.
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What Measures Can be Taken for Effective Implementation of Reservation in India?
- Data on Population: Undertake a comprehensive caste census to collect accurate data on population distribution and socio-economic status of various communities.
- Sub-Categorisation & Creamy Layer: Implement Rohini Commission recommendations such as sub-categorisation for OBCs and consider creamy layer exclusion for SCs/STs to ensure equitable distribution within communities.
- Two-Tier Reservation for SC/STs: Prioritise more marginalised sections before extending benefits to relatively better-off members within these communities.
- Address Backlogs: Focus on filling vacant reserved posts and improving administrative efficiency to make reservation policies effective.
- Skill Development & Employment: Complement reservations with training programs and job creation initiatives to meet the aspirations of India’s large youth population.
Conclusion
The reservation debate balances formal equality (equal treatment) with substantive equality (correcting historical disadvantages). While exceeding the 50% cap is constitutionally sensitive, it reflects demands for greater inclusion. Effective implementation requires data-driven policies, sub-categorisation, and focus on marginalised groups, complemented by skill development, to ensure reservations empower rather than exclude.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Critically examine the role of reservation in promoting social justice in India. How can its benefits be made more equitable?
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:
Prelims
Q. Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: (2023)
- The National Commission for Backward Classes
- The National Human Rights Commission
- The National Law Commission
- The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above constitutional bodies?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (a)
Mains:
Q. What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs). (2017)
Eklavya Model Residential Schools
11-07-2025
Source: TH
Several students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) have cracked medical & engineering entrance exams.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
- About: EMRS is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in 1998 to provide free, quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students from Class VI to XII in remote and tribal-dominated areas.
- Objective: To bridge the educational gap between tribal and non-tribal populations by offering CBSE-based instruction integrated with holistic development, including sports, culture, and skill training.
- Revamp & Expansion: The scheme was revamped in 2018–19 to expand coverage. EMRSs are now to be established in blocks with more that 50% ST population and with at least 20,000 tribal persons with a target of 728 schools by 2026.
- Governance: EMRSs are implemented and managed by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under MoTA.
- Key Features:
- Co-educational, fully residential schools modeled on Navodaya Vidyalayas with a tribal focus.
- Follow the CBSE curriculum and provide free education along with all basic amenities.
- Infrastructure includes classrooms, labs, hostels, staff quarters, playgrounds, and cultural activity spaces.
- Each school has a capacity of 480 students with gender parity.
- Up to 10% seats may be allotted to non-ST students.
- 20% reservation under sports quota for meritorious ST students in athletics and games.
Other Initiatives for Tribal Education
Empowering States Through Science
11-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), in its report “ A Roadmap for Strengthening State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils”, has called for reforms in the funding and governance of State S&T Councils.
What is the Role of State S&T Councils in India?
- About: Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are vital to national development, with both Central and State S&T Departments playing key roles.
- The Centre-State S&T partnership began in 1971, led by Bharat Ratna Shri C. Subramaniam, through the creation of State Science & Technology Councils (SSTCs).
- Initially set up in Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, SSTCs now exist in almost all States and UTs across India.
- Support: SSTCs are supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology under the State Science and Technology Programme (SSTP).
- DST provides budgetary assistance to S&T Secretariats of States and UTs. S&T Councils also receive state government funding, though the levels vary significantly.
- Key Roles: Councils act as enablers of grassroots innovations, often in fields such as agriculture, renewable energy, disaster management, and biotechnology.
- Promote science-based solutions for resource management, environmental improvement, and better quality of life.
- S&T Councils develop scientific attitude and awareness among all sections of society.
What are the Key Challenges Faced by State S&T Councils?
- Overdependence on Core Grants: Many councils rely heavily on core grants from the DST, with minimal effort to secure project-based grants from other ministries or agencies.
- Low Central Financial Support: Despite being intended as key players in decentralised science governance, most councils receive very little funding from the Centre.
- For instance, of the Rs 300 crore annual budget in Gujarat’s State Science and Technology Council, only Rs 1.07 crore came from the Centre. In the case of Kerala’s Rs 150 crore, the Centre’s (DST) contribution was zero.
- State contributions to national R&D are minimal at just 6.7%, compared to the Centre's 44%. Smaller states like Sikkim and Mizoram are especially impacted by limited budgets, hindering their scientific progress.
- Lack of Industry and Institutional Linkages: Minimal collaboration with state industries, Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), and academic institutions (IITs, IIMs) limits the councils' impact on applied research and innovation.
- Inefficient Use of Resources: Disparities in fund utilisation across states point to regional imbalances and inefficiencies in execution.
- Lagging Research Output: The bulk of India’s S&T output comes from Centrally funded institutions, with State Councils failing to match productivity or impact.
- Budget Cuts in Some States: A comparative analysis of State S&T Council budgets from 2023–24 to 2024–25 shows a 17.65% overall funding increase, indicating growing state-level investment.
- However, states like Sikkim (-16.16%), Tamil Nadu (-4%), and Uttarakhand (-5%) have seen reductions in their S&T budgets, affecting ongoing and future projects.
- Lack of Adaptability: Councils are struggling to keep pace with the rapidly evolving R&D landscape, making their programs and models outdated.
- Weak Leadership: Many councils are led by bureaucrats rather than experts in science and technology. This lack of scientific leadership has significantly undermined the councils' ability to drive innovation and research.
- Staffing Issues: The councils suffer from a shortage of skilled personnel, and many positions remain vacant due to budgetary constraints. Additionally, many councils lack full-time scientific leaders, leading to inefficiency and poor staff morale.
Success Stories of State S&T Councils
- Kerala: Kerala's State Science & Technology Council has successfully implemented fellowship programs that helped women scientists return to research after career breaks.
- The state also allocates over Rs 170 crore annually for science and technology initiatives, showcasing a robust commitment to R&D.
- Tamil Nadu: It has emerged as a national leader in intellectual property filings, driven by the efforts of its Patent Information Centre (PIC).
- The state ranked 1st in patent filings and GI registrations and 3rd in industrial design filings (as per the Indian Patent Office Annual Report 2022–23).
- For its significant contribution to IP awareness and technology commercialization, Tamil Nadu’s PIC received the National Intellectual Property Award 2023 (Special Citation) from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Punjab: Punjab's innovative approach to paddy straw management has reduced pollution and boosted the local economy by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- This initiative has also created employment opportunities and contributed to environmental conservation.
- Mizoram: The Innovation Facility Centre (IFC) in Mizoram supports grassroots innovation through technical aid, institutional support, and IP filing.
- It has developed 82 innovation-related and 93 non-innovative products. The IFC collaborates with institutions like National Innovation Foundation (NIF), NIT Mizoram to promote inclusive growth.
- Manipur: Manipur’s aromatic plant cultivation project, aligned with the National Mission on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, is positioning the state as a potential hub for natural aroma-based products.
- The initiative has created jobs for local farmers, boosted rural entrepreneurship, and contributed to regional economic growth, showcasing how localized scientific efforts can drive socio-economic development.
What are the Key Reforms Suggested by NITI Aayog to Strengthen SSTCs?
- Scientific Leadership: NITI Aayog recommends appointing full-time scientists, rather than bureaucrats, to head the councils. This will ensure that councils are driven by experts who can push for scientific excellence and innovation.
- Performance-Based Funding: Instead of flat, non-performance-based grants, NITI Aayog advocates for funding that is linked to the performance of councils. This would incentivize states to improve their R&D outcomes and maximize the impact of every rupee spent.
- States should allocate at least 0.5% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to S&T for regular and advanced activities.
- DST should replace core grants with performance-based project funding, except for small NE and UT councils. Councils should explore central ministry schemes beyond DST for additional funding.
- Secure Jobs and Career Growth: To improve the morale of scientific staff and retain talent, the roadmap suggests offering secure, long-term jobs with clear career progression for researchers working with SSTCs.
- Strengthening Industry and Academic Linkages: Building stronger connections between councils, industries, and academic institutions is critical.
- This would help bridge the gap between research and commercialization, leading to innovations that benefit both society and the economy.
- Science Cities and Innovation Hubs: The roadmap calls for the establishment of Science Cities planetariums, and innovation hubs in every state.
- Example: Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad is a leading hub for scientific learning with state-of-the-art facilities like the Robotics Gallery, showcasing real-world applications in healthcare, industry, and daily life.
- These would serve as centers of excellence, bringing together research, education, and industry to foster local scientific and technological advancements.
- STI Information Cell: Councils should establish Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Cells to manage state-level STI data and act as nodal points for sharing indicators with government agencies. These cells will support evidence-based policymaking.
- SSR and CSR Cells: Councils should lead Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts by coordinating resources from institutions and stakeholders to address local challenges and promote scientific awareness.
- National Monitoring System: To ensure the effectiveness of these reforms, NITI Aayog proposes the creation of a national monitoring system that tracks the progress of State S&T Councils and holds them accountable for their performance.

|
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the role of State Science and Technology Councils in promoting decentralised scientific governance in India. Highlight the key challenges they face in fulfilling this mandate.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q.1 Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)? (2015)
- NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.
- NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Q2. For outstanding contribution to which one of the following fields is Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize given? (2009)
(a) Literature
(b) Performing Arts
(c) Science
(d) Social Service
Ans: (c)
Q3. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)
(a) Department of Science and Technology
(b) Ministry of Labour and Employment
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development? (2016)
Aadi KARMAYOGI and TALASH
11-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the first Regional Process Lab (RPL) under the Aadi KARMAYOGI, which focuses on strengthening local governance.
- Simultaneously, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, launched the TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub) programme to support the growth of tribal students.
What is Aadi KARMAYOGI?
- About: Aadi KARMAYOGI is a National Mission for Responsive Governance, designed to build a cadre of 20 lakh tribal grassroots functionaries and village-level change leaders, who will drive inclusive development and strengthen last-mile service delivery in tribal areas.
- Objectives:
- Build Local Leadership: Develop State Master Trainers (SMTs), District Master Trainers (DMTs), and Block-level trainers.
- Strengthen Last-Mile Delivery: Enhance service delivery and implementation of tribal welfare schemes in remote areas.
- Promote Community-Centric Governance: Empower tribal communities with dignity, empathy, and purpose.
- Implementation: SMTs from five southern states Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are being trained at the RPL in Bengaluru.
- These trainers will go on to lead State Process Labs (SPLs), which will then train DMTs. The programme also involves civil society organisations to encourage participatory learning and ensure the training fits local contexts, supporting ongoing learning and leadership.
- The Aadi Karmayogi Mission supports responsive governance through local-level planning, quick grievance redressal, and joint implementation. It brings together departments like Tribal Affairs, Rural Development, Women and Child Development, Jal Shakti, Education, and Forests.
What is TALASH?
- About: Launched by the NESTS in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) India, TALASH is an innovative platform designed to support the holistic development of over 1.38 lakh students across Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in India.
- The TALASH platform prepares tribal students to navigate the challenges of a competitive world by equipping them with essential life skills and career clarity. It also aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing inclusive, equitable education for all.
- TALASH is rolling out in phases. So far, 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs are trained. By the end of 2025, it will cover all EMRSs.
- Key Features of TALASH:
- Psychometric Assessments: Based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) ‘Tamanna’ framework, students take an aptitude test and receive a personalized career card.
- Career Counselling: Helps students align their aspirations with their strengths and interests.
- Life Skills and Self-Esteem Modules: Offers interactive lessons to build confidence and emotional intelligence.
- E-Learning for Teachers: Empowers teachers with digital tools and training to guide and mentor students effectively.
Note: Tamanna (Try And Measure Aptitude And Natural Abilities) is an aptitude test developed by NCERT and Central Board of Secondary Education under the Ministry of Education. It helps students of Classes IX and X understand their strengths across various dimensions.
- The test is voluntary, has no pass or fail, and is meant to guide rather than impose subject choices.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019)
- PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
- A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
- There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
- Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Ans: C
Indigenous MALE Drones
11-07-2025
Source: TH
India is accelerating the procurement of 87 indigenously developed Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, featuring at least 60% indigenous content, to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen surveillance along its sea and land borders.
- This is the first instance of Indian private manufacturers being tasked to supply MALE drones under the Make in India initiative replacing earlier imports from Israel.
- These drones will offer over 30 hours of flight endurance at altitudes of up to 35,000 feet, providing ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) support in varied terrains.
India’s Indigenous Drones
|
Drone Name
|
Key Features
|
|
Lakshya
|
Target drone for reconnaissance and target acquisition; rocket-launched, turbojet-powered.
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Nishant
|
Multi-mission UAV; day/night capable; used for surveillance, target tracking, and artillery fire correction.
|
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RUSTOM-1
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Short Range Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SR-RPAS, 800 kg class); performs ISR, target acquisition, and image exploitation.
|
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TAPAS/Rustom-2
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MALE UAV developed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) roles.
|
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Archer
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Weaponized short-range UAV; for reconnaissance, surveillance, and low-intensity conflict.
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Note: All the above mentioned drones have been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

DHRUVA Framework
10-12-2025
Source:TH
Why in News?
The Department of Posts has prepared a draft of proposed amendments to the Post Office Act, 2023 to provide the necessary legislative backing for the Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address (DHRUVA) framework.
- The amendments aim to support DHRUVA’s ecosystem reforms and enable its nationwide rollout.
What is the DHRUVA Framework?
- DHRUVA: It is proposed as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), similar to Aadhaar and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
- It will allow logistics companies, e-commerce firms, and gig platforms to receive a user’s digital address “label” instead of a full physical address.
- Once the user authorises this label, the platform can access both the descriptive address and the geo-coded DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number).
- DIGPIN is an open-source, in-house location pin system developed by India Post, assigning a unique code to every 12 sq. metre block in the country.
- DIGIPIN uses a 10-digit alphanumeric code derived from latitude–longitude coordinates. It divides India into a grid using 16 unique characters (2 to 9, C, J, K, L, M, P, F, T), enabling a hierarchical and precise location encoding system.
- It is especially useful in rural areas where clear descriptive addresses may be unavailable, providing delivery personnel with precise geo-location as a fallback alongside the traditional PIN code.
- DHRUVA’s Ecosystem: DHRUVA proposes the creation of specialised institutions:
- Address Service Providers (ASPs): Generate the digital address labels.
- Address Validation Agencies (AVAs): Verify and authenticate addresses.
- Address Information Agents (AIAs): Allow users to manage consent and address-sharing settings.
- A Central Governance Entity: Similar to National Payments Corporation of India, to regulate standards and operations.
- Significance of DHRUVA:
- Enhances User Control and Privacy: Introduces consent-based address sharing, allowing users to decide who can access their address and for what duration.
- This reduces repeated disclosure of personal address information while ensuring secure and controlled data sharing.
- Boosts Efficiency for Digital and Delivery Platforms: A single, verified digital address token streamlines operations for platforms like Amazon, Uber, and India Post.
- It reduces delivery failures, returns, and misrouting, improving overall efficiency and reducing operational costs.
- Seamless Address Updates: When users relocate, DHRUVA allows address updates to be reflected across multiple platforms automatically.
- This ensures continuity in deliveries, communication, and service access without repeated manual updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is DHRUVA?
DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) is a proposed Digital Public Infrastructure that issues tokenised digital address labels linked to a user’s descriptive address and geo-coded DIGIPIN for standardised, consent-based address sharing.
Q. What is DIGIPIN and how does it work?
DIGIPIN is a 10-digit alphanumeric, open-source geocode developed by India Post that assigns a unique code to every 12 sq. metre block using a 16-character grid derived from latitude–longitude coordinates.
Q. How does DHRUVA protect user privacy?
DHRUVA proposes consent-based address sharing and tokenisation, enabling users to control who accesses their descriptive address and DIGIPIN and for what duration, thereby reducing repeated disclosure of personal address information.
Summary
- The Department of Posts has proposed DHRUVA, a Digital Public Infrastructure to standardise addresses through digital “labels” backed by amendments to the Post Office Act, 2023.
- DHRUVA links a user-authorised digital label with the descriptive address and the geo-coded DIGIPIN, a 10-digit alphanumeric code mapped to every 12 sq. metre block.
- The ecosystem will include Address Service Providers, Validation Agencies, Information Agents and a central governance body similar to NPCI.
- The framework enhances privacy, improves last-mile delivery, and enables seamless address updates across platforms while reducing operational inefficiencies.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)
- Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.
- Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
10-12-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
The Parliamentary Standing Committee highlighted the slow progress of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at installing rooftop solar systems in one crore households by FY27.
- As per the committee, as of June 2025, 16 lakh rooftop solar units (16% of the target) were installed, though the government claims 24 lakh households (24% of the target) have benefited.
What is PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
- About: Launched in February 2024 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), it is the world's largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, aiming to provide free electricity to households by installing rooftop solar panels.
- Implementation is done by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and by State Implementation Agencies (SIA) at the state level.
- Objectives: The scheme offers up to 300 units of free electricity per month, targeting 1 crore households by March 2027. Installation milestones include 10 lakh by March 2025, 20 lakh by October 2025, and 40 lakh by March 2026.
- Eligibility:

- Key Components:
- Central Financial Assistance (CFA): It offers financial support to residential consumers for installing rooftop solar panels via the National Portal.
- Model Solar Village: Establish one Model Solar Village per district to promote energy self-reliance. Villages with population >5,000 (or >2,000 in special category states) are eligible for participation.
- Subsidies & Financial Support: It provides a subsidy of up to 40% for rooftop solar panel installation and offers collateral-free, low-interest loans (~7%) for up to 3 kW residential rooftop solar (RTS) systems.
- Key Benefits: Adds 30 GW of solar capacity, creates around 17 lakh direct jobs, and reduces CO2 emissions by 720 million tonnes over 25 years.
- Expected annual savings of Rs 75,000 crore annually in electricity costs for the government.
- Households with a 3 kW rooftop system producing over 300 units per month can earn around Rs 18,000 per year by selling surplus electricity to DISCOMs.

- Role in Fulfilling India's COP26 Goals: It will speed up the adoption of sustainable energy in India and help in achieving its promises at UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26) 2021, which are:
- Reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030
- Meet 50% of its energy requirement through renewable sources by 2030
- Cut the total estimated carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes till 2030
- Bring down the carbon intensity of the economy by under 45%
- Become a net zero carbon nation by 2070.
- Role of DISCOMs in Promoting PM Surya Ghar Scheme: As SIAs, electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) help promote rooftop solar adoption by providing net meters and conducting inspections and installation commissioning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
Launched in February 2024, it is India’s largest domestic rooftop solar scheme providing free electricity to households via rooftop solar panels.
Q. What financial support does the scheme provide?
Up to 40% subsidy and collateral-free low-interest loans (~7%) for rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW.
Q. How does the scheme contribute to climate goals?
Adds 30 GW solar capacity, reduces CO2 emissions by 720 million tonnes, and supports India’s renewable energy targets and net-zero commitment by 2070.
Summary
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana provides free rooftop solar electricity to households, targeting 1 crore installations by March 2027.
- The scheme includes subsidies, low-interest loans, and Model Solar Villages to promote energy self-reliance.
- It supports climate goals, reduces CO2 emissions, and adds 30 GW solar capacity, contributing to India’s renewable energy targets.
- Implementation depends on active state participation and DISCOM involvement, creating employment opportunities and financial benefits for households.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)
- It is a Public Limited Government Company.
- It is a Non-Banking Financial Company.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
India's Top 1% Grew its Wealth by 62% Since 2000: G20 Report
10-11-2025
For Prelims: G20, G7, Inequality, Malnutrition, Intellectual Property (IP), IPCC, Global Minimum Corporate Tax, IMF, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), Food Security, Digital Divide.
For Mains: Findings of the G20 Report on Global Wealth Inequality, Key Drivers of inequality and its Socio-economic and Political Consequences. Measures Needed to Tackle Inequality.
Source: ET
Why in News?
The G20 Committee set up by the South African G20 Presidency, found that the world’s richest 1% accumulated 41% of global wealth between 2000 and 2023.
What are the Key Findings of the G20 Report on Global Inequality?
- Global Income Inequality: 83% of countries have high income inequality (Gini coefficient > 0.4). These countries account for 90% of the world’s population.
- Since 2000, global gaps have slightly narrowed due to growth in China and India, but major disparities persist—especially between rich regions and Sub-Saharan Africa—with a Gini coefficient of 0.61.
- Wealth Inequality: Between 2000 and 2024, global wealth inequality surged, with the richest 1% capturing 41% of new wealth, while the bottom 50% received just 1%.
- In India, the richest 1% grew their wealth share by 62% between 2000 and 2023.
- Global Food Insecurity: Globally, 1 in 4 people (2.3 billion) face moderate or severe food insecurity, with 335 million more regularly skipping meals since 2019.
Gini Index
- About Gini Index: The Gini index, developed in 1912 by Italian statistician Corrado Gini, measures income inequality within a population.
- It is derived from the Lorenz curve and quantifies the area between the curve and the line of perfect equality, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (maximum inequality), with lower values indicating a more equitable society.
- India’s Gini Index Trends: India’s Gini coefficient declined from 28.8 in 2011 to 25.5 in 2022, placing it in the moderately low inequality category.
- India’s score of 25.5 positions it ahead of higher-inequality countries such as China (35.7) and the United States (41.8).

What are the Key Factors Driving Global Inequality?
- Economic Liberalisation: Financial deregulation (price volatility), labour market deregulation with weakened trade unions, and privatisation of public services disproportionately impact the poor, widening income and economic inequality.
- International Factors: Trade patterns and capital flows generate disproportionate income gains for corporate elites, while real wages for workers—especially the less skilled—remain suppressed; meanwhile, IP regimes and monopolies benefit developed countries and restrict access to essential health and technology.
- International tax rules and external shocks allow MNCs and elites to avoid fair taxation and expose developing countries to financial crises and global recessions.
- Structural Factors: Colonial legacies of extraction-based economies, unequal land ownership, and social discrimination, combined with industrial revolution-driven regional growth and intergenerational wealth transfer, have perpetuated economic inequality today.
- Unequal Distribution of Incomes: Unequal asset ownership and gaps in skills, education, and social capital boost income for some while leaving others behind.
- Social and Cultural Factors: Inheritance and marriage patterns, social discrimination (gender, caste, race), and weak public support perpetuate elite wealth and trap low-income populations in poverty.
What are the Various Implications of Inequality?
- Perpetuation of Poverty: High inequality creates poverty traps, limiting access to education, healthcare, and nutrition, and perpetuating intergenerational disadvantage. It also wastes human potential, reducing workforce productivity and innovation, and hindering overall economic growth.
- Economic Instability: Concentrated wealth drives speculation in financial assets and real estate over productive investments, while limited consumer demand from the majority slows economic growth.
- Health Crises: Out-of-pocket health spending has pushed 1.3 billion people into poverty, reducing productivity and earnings, while food insecurity affects 2.3 billion, causing hunger, malnutrition, and impaired cognitive and societal health.
- Erosion of Democracy: Extreme wealth concentration grants elites political influence and rule of law capture, making countries with high inequality seven times more likely to face democratic decline as trust in institutions erodes.
- Interconnected Vicious Cycle: These consequences form a vicious cycle: economic inequality fuels political inequality, leading to policies favoring the wealthy, which further increases economic inequality and weakens the middle class, causing political instability and slower economic growth.
What Recommendations Has the G20 Report Made to Tackle Inequality?
- Establish International Panel on Inequality (IPI),: The report recommends creating an IPI, modeled on the IPCC, to monitor global inequality, provide data to policymakers, and guide government interventions.
- Progressive Taxation: Implement progressive income, wealth, and inheritance taxes and increase social spending on healthcare, education, and social protection to make an equitable society and reduce wealth concentration.
- Social Protection Policies: Strengthen workers’ power via collective bargaining, trade union protection, and minimum wages, and curb corporate monopolies through antitrust enforcement for fair wages and competition.
- Reforming Global Trade and IP Rules: Allow Intellectual Property (IP) waivers and compulsory licenses for critical health and climate technologies and promote fair trade and investment agreements that help developing countries advance up the value chain.
- Reforming Global Financial Systems: Introduce a robust global minimum corporate tax and explore a minimum tax on ultra-wealthy individuals, while reforming International Financial Institutions (IFIs) by replacing austerity mandates with growth-focused policies, and recognizing capital controls for macroeconomic stability.
- Expand Capacities of Developing Countries: Offer debt relief to over-indebted developing countries, allocate IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) based on need (not quota), and secure climate finance for adaptation and loss, while enhancing food security and bridging the digital divide.
Conclusion
The G20 report underscores that global inequality has reached emergency levels, with the richest 1% capturing disproportionate wealth. Inequality fuels poverty, health crises, economic instability, and democratic erosion. Tackling it requires progressive taxation, social protection, global coordination, and reform of trade, IP, and financial systems to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the impact of economic liberalization, structural factors, and international trade rules on inequality in developing countries.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the share of global wealth held by the richest 1%?
Between 2000–2024, the richest 1% captured 41% of all new wealth, while the bottom 50% received only 1%, highlighting extreme inequality.
2. What is the Gini Index and how does India compare globally?
The Gini Index measures income inequality (0 = perfect equality, 1 = maximum inequality). India’s Gini declined from 28.8 in 2011 to 25.5 in 2022, making it more equal than China (35.7) and the US (41.8).
3. What is the key proposal of the 2025 G20 report to combat global inequality?
The flagship proposal is the establishment of an International Panel on Inequality (IPI), modelled on the IPCC, to provide authoritative data and policy analysis on inequality trends.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Mains
Q. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (2020)
Emerging Warfare Technologies and Self-Reliance in Defence Innovation
10-10-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Defence Minister of India highlighted that future wars will be shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, drones, quantum computing, and directed-energy weapons as seen in Operation Sindoor and called on entrepreneurs and startups to set new benchmarks and create India’s first defence unicorn.
How are Emerging Technologies Transforming the Nature of Warfare?
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI analyzes battlefield data in real-time, helping commanders make faster strategic and tactical decisions.
- AI-powered algorithms detect, respond to, and predict cyber threats in real-time, protecting military networks.
- AI/ML, combined with information technology, can be used for military or political purposes, such as cyberattacks, espionage, and information warfare.
- These methods target government, civilian, and military systems through tactics like viruses, denial-of-service attacks, and phishing.
- A notable example is the Stuxnet worm, which specifically targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
- Autonomous Weapons and Loitering Munitions: These include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like Israel's Harop and India's Nagastra-1 that make target decisions without human intervention.
- These loitering munitions autonomously seek and engage targets, combining missile and drone capabilities for precise strikes at a lower operational cost.
- Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs); The DEWs like India’s Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array (DURGA) II are high-energy lasers and microwave weapons, can incapacitate or destroy targets like missiles, drones, or vehicles without using traditional explosives.
- Quantum Technologies: It has the potential to break encryption systems, posing significant threats to secure communications in warfare.
- They can also be used for military applications like logistics optimization and simulation modeling.
- Space-Based Warfare: The militarization of space has made satellites critical for global positioning, communications, and real-time intelligence.
- Military satellites provide navigation, weather data, surveillance, and communication for forces on the ground, air, or sea.
- The ability to destroy or disable enemy satellites in space has become a strategic priority. Countries like China and India have tested Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) capabilities (e.g., India's Mission Shakti).
- Hypersonic Missiles: Missiles like BrahMos-II travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), allowing them to evade current missile defense systems.
- These weapons can carry conventional or nuclear warheads and are difficult to intercept due to their velocity and maneuverability.
- 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing: It allows for the rapid prototyping and production of spare parts, weapons, and even drones directly on the battlefield.
- This reduces supply chain dependency and the need for large inventories.
- Biotechnology: It has the potential to enhance soldiers’ physical and cognitive abilities, such as creating advanced prosthetics or developing genetic modifications to improve endurance or resistance to fatigue.
- Swarming Technology: It involves multiple small drones operating autonomously in coordinated patterns.
- Powered by AI, they can overwhelm defenses, enable reconnaissance, disrupt communications, and execute precision strikes, offering flexible and surprising capabilities in air and naval operations.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR are enhancing training methods by providing realistic simulations for soldiers without the need for actual combat.
- These technologies help train personnel in complex battle scenarios, improving decision-making and tactical responses.
- Exoskeletons: Powered exoskeletons are designed to augment human strength and endurance, allowing soldiers to carry heavier loads and reduce fatigue during long operations.
Why is Self-Reliance in Defence Innovation Strategically Important for India?
- National Security & Self-Reliance: Indigenous technology reduces reliance on foreign arms, addressing challenges like CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) and ensuring strategic autonomy.
- The vulnerability of foreign-controlled infrastructure, like Global Positioning System satellites (controlled by the US), could be a potential weakness during conflicts.
- NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), India's regional satellite navigation system, ensures reliable, independent navigation capabilities, crucial for military operations and critical infrastructure without relying on foreign satellite systems.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat aims to achieve Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, promoting the domestic production of key defense technologies.
- Strategic Deterrence: Indigenous missiles like Agni-V and BrahMos provide India with a robust deterrence capability, critical for regional stability.
- India’s defense strategy includes strengthening nuclear deterrence through self-reliant missile systems and maintaining a credible second-strike capability.
- Operational Flexibility: Technologies like Nirbhay missile and Dhanush artillery are built to suit India’s terrain and strategic needs, ensuring optimal performance.
- Indigenous systems can be quickly modified and integrated based on real-time feedback, strengthening national defense readiness.
- Economic Growth & Industry Development: The defense sector under Make in India creates high-tech jobs and strengthens the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
- Increasing exports like the Akash missile to countries like Sri Lanka and Myanmar supports economic growth and geopolitical influence.
- Global Geopolitical Influence: Growing defense exports contribute to India's strategic partnerships, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region positioning India as a key global arms supplier.
What are the Key India's Initiatives Related Defence Startups?
- Make in India (Defence): Launched in 2014 to promote domestic manufacturing of defence equipment. Focuses on reducing import dependency and encouraging indigenous production.
- Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Introduced categories like Buy Indian (IDDM) and Buy Global–Manufacture in India. Prioritises domestic procurement with mandatory indigenous content thresholds.
- Defence capital acquisitions have increased from Rs. 74,000 crore in FY21-22 to Rs. 1.2 lakh crore in FY24-25
- Defence Procurement Manual (DPM-2025): Provides assured orders for 5+5 years, offering stability and predictability for innovators.
- Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020: Aims to develop a robust defence industrial ecosystem, including exports.
- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): Encourages start-ups and MSMEs to innovate for defence needs. Offers grants and procurement support; over 600 startups engaged as of 2025.
- Technology Development Fund (TDF): Run by DRDO to support MSMEs and startups for developing defence technologies. Funding limit raised to Rs 50 crore per project in FY25.
- SRIJAN Portal: Online platform listing imported items for indigenisation by Indian industry. Over 14,000 items indigenised till February 2025.
- Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs): Five lists issued banning import of over 5,500 items beyond set deadlines. Enforced to ensure procurement only from domestic sources.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Assess India’s preparedness for future warfare considering emerging technologies and domestic innovation ecosystems.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
1. What are the key emerging technologies shaping modern warfare?
AI, autonomous systems, drones, cyber warfare, quantum computing, directed-energy weapons, hypersonic missiles, swarming drones, AR/VR, exoskeletons, and space-based capabilities.
2. Why is indigenous defence technology important for India?
Ensures strategic autonomy, reduces foreign dependence, strengthens operational readiness, promotes economic growth, and enhances global defence influence.
3. What is iDEX and its role in defence innovation?
iDEX connects startups/MSMEs with armed forces, providing funding, procurement, and scaling support for indigenous defence technologies.
4. What government policies support defence startups and MSMEs?
Make in India (Defence), Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, SRIJAN Portal, and Positive Indigenisation Lists provide funding, procurement, and regulatory support.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (2018)
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.
Ans: (c)
Q. In the context of the Indian defence, what is ‘Dhruv’? (2008)
(a) Aircraft-carrying warship
(b) Missile-carrying submarine
(c) Advanced light helicopter
(d) Intercontinental ballistic missile
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
CP Radhakrishnan Elected as Vice President
10-09-2025
Source: ToI
Why in News?
CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as India's 15th Vice President, defeating former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy in the election following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.
In the election Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes, while Reddy garnered 300 votes with a high voting turnout of 98.2%.
CP Radhakrishnan
- He served as the Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and Maharashtra. An agriculturist and industrialist by profession, he is the third leader from Tamil Nadu to hold the position of Vice President.
- He was also a two-term member of the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore.
What are Key Facts About the Vice President (VP) of India?
- About: VP is the second-highest constitutional authority in India, following the President (Article 63).
- Election & Eligibility: Elected by MPs from both Houses of Parliament via proportional representation. The VP must be at least 35 years old, an Indian citizen, and qualified for Rajya Sabha membership.
- Term & Vacancy: Serves a five-year term, with the possibility of continuing until a successor is elected.
- Primary Role: As the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- In the President’s absence or vacancy, they act as President (Article 65).
- Removal: Can be removed by a resolution in the Rajya Sabha and approval from the Lok Sabha, with a 14-day notice (Article 67).
Some Unique Facts About Office of Vice President of India
- Only Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1st & 2nd VP, elected unopposed both times) and Mohammad Hamid Ansari (13th & 14th VP, 2007–2017) have served two consecutive terms.
- Apart from S. Radhakrishnan, M. Hidayatullah (7th VP) and Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (9th VP) were also elected unopposed.
- Krishan Kant (10th VP, 1997–2002) was the first and only Vice President to die while in office.
- Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah is the only person in Indian history to have served as Chief Justice of India, Acting President, and Vice President.

Urban Centres as Catalysts of India's Growth
10-07-2025
Source: BL
Why in News?
India is undergoing a rapid urban transformation, with the urban population expected to reach 675 million by 2035 and 70 million more residents by 2045. This rapid urbanization will shape the economic and social trajectory of India for decades to come.
- However, urban challenges in Indian Cities continue to hinder the full potential of this transformation.
Why are Cities Central to India’s Economic Future?
- Economic Engines: Cities contribute nearly 60% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while occupying only 3% of land, highlighting their role as hubs of productivity and innovation.
- Just 15 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad account for 30% of India’s GDP. These cities are expected to contribute an additional 1.5% to GDP growth by 2047.
- Agglomeration Benefits: Higher population densities in urban centres lead to greater economic output, better job creation, and innovation through clustering of industries and services.
- India’s growing urban population is anticipated to increase its economic productivity by an additional 1.5% annually, thereby facilitating substantial growth in national output.
- Global Competitiveness: Well-functioning cities improve ease of doing business, attract foreign investment, and support India's ambitions to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2026 and USD 40 trillion by 2047.
- Infrastructure Efficiency: Urban areas with efficient transport, housing, energy, and logistics systems lower operational costs and boost industrial growth.
- Innovation Hubs: Cities foster startups, R&D, and technology adoption, becoming centres of digital and service-sector transformation.
- Social Opportunity: Urbanisation offers pathways for poverty reduction, education, and healthcare access, linking economic development with improved human development outcomes.
What are the Challenges Faced by Urban India?
- Congestion and Traffic Management: Urban residents spend an average of 1.5-2 hours daily stuck in traffic. This congestion increases pollution, wastes time, and hampers productivity.
- Most Indian cities lack comprehensive, efficient, and integrated public transport systems. This results in over-dependence on private vehicles, which further exacerbates traffic congestion.
- Eg. Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi has only 41 buses for a population of 1.46 million.
- According to the Asian Development Bank, India loses up to USD 22 billion annually due to urban transport inefficiencies, logistics delays, and poor infrastructure.
- Air Pollution: In 2023, India was home to 42 of the 50 most polluted cities in the world, up from 39 in 2022. The primary contributors to poor air quality include vehicular emissions, construction dust, and biomass burning.
- Poor air quality leads to respiratory diseases, affecting millions of urban residents, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
- Water Scarcity: Nearly half of India’s rivers are polluted, leading to inadequate water availability for urban areas. Inadequate treatment and wastewater management further strain water resources.
- Cities lose up to 40-50% of piped water in transmission due to outdated infrastructure, exacerbating water scarcity.
- Solid Waste Management: Indian cities generate over 150,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, but only a small portion is processed sustainably. Many cities lack effective waste segregation and recycling systems.
- Poor waste management contributes to pollution, health hazards, and unclean urban environments, making cities less livable.
- Inadequate Sanitation: Many urban areas, particularly informal settlements, lack access to proper sanitation facilities.
- Inadequate sewage systems and sewage leakages into water bodies continue to be a challenge in many cities.
- Affordable Housing Shortage: India faces a shortage of 10 million affordable homes, a number expected to triple by 2030. The urban poor often live in informal settlements or slums, which lack basic infrastructure like clean water, sanitation, and electricity.
- This growing shortage not only leads to overcrowded slums but also creates urban ghettos, raising security challenges and increasing the potential for communal or religious violence.
- Additionally, the increasing demand for urban space drives property prices up, making affordable housing inaccessible to many.
- Urban Flooding: Many cities face urban flooding due to inadequate drainage systems, encroachment of stormwater drains, and rapid urbanization.
- The 2018 floods in Kerala and the 2015 floods in Chennai are prime examples of how urban infrastructure struggles to cope with extreme weather events.
- Weak Municipal Finances: Most Indian cities struggle to generate sufficient revenue through local taxes and municipal bonds. Less than 0.2% of India’s GDP (1.1% in the OECD) is raised through property taxes.
- Many cities rely on central government funding for urban development projects, but the funds allocated are often insufficient or inefficiently utilized.
- Digital Infrastructure Deficits: India’s internet speed is much lower compared to cities in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Seoul.
- This hampers the growth of digital businesses and slows down overall economic growth.
- Urban Heat Island: Higher temperatures lead to increased use of air conditioning, raising electricity demand, especially during peak summer. This burdens urban power grids and increases carbon emissions.
- Urban Heat Islands increase health risks for vulnerable groups, reduce green cover and biodiversity, strain water resources, raise flood risk, and degrade infrastructure and urban livability.
What are India's Initiatives for Promoting Growth and Sustainability in the Urban Sector?
What Reforms are Needed for India's Urban Future?
- Treat Urban Infrastructure as Core National Infrastructure: Elevate urban infrastructure (mobility, water, sanitation, waste) to the same level as highways, ports, and energy grids.
- Classify smart cities and logistics ecosystems as “strategic infrastructure” to attract long-term capital and policy alignment.
- Synchronise Urban Expansion with Industrial Corridors: Bridge the disconnect between housing, commerce, and transport (Transit-Oriented Development). Promote spatial integration of transit, zoning, and economic planning to create compact, liveable, and productive urban-industrial zones.
- Create Unified, Tech-Enabled Urban Governance Bodies: Streamlining urban planning and approvals is essential. Urban Governance Bodies must embed private sector leadership and work alongside public authorities to improve accountability.
- Real-time performance dashboards and urban digital twins (a dynamic digital replica of a city, integrating advanced technologies to provide actionable insights) can ensure more responsive and transparent management of urban systems.
- Treat Sanitation and Waste Management as National Economic Priorities: Sanitation and waste management are economic issues.
- Private sector models, like the Tirupur water PPP, using the BOOT model, successfully delivered water to industries and residents. Similar industry-led models can be extended to waste management, circular economy, and decentralized sanitation.
- Recapitalize Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): In today’s urban reality, PPPs must be redefined to ensure long-term private capital flows into both existing infrastructure (brownfield) upgrades and new urban projects (greenfield).
- De-risking instruments like viability gap funding and urban challenge funds can facilitate such investments.
- Co-Develop the Digital Backbone of Modern Cities: Industry should collaborate with the government to build the digital backbone of cities, such as AI-powered infrastructure planning and automated construction permits.
- This digital infrastructure can improve efficiency, transparency, and trust while accelerating urban development.
- Strengthening Climate Resilience in Cities: Urban planning must integrate climate resilience by building adaptive infrastructure like flood barriers and heat-resistant structures. Measures such as green roofs, urban forestry, and green spaces help mitigate heat islands and enhance urban livability.
- Role of Society in Urban Reform: Urban reform is not just about improving systems but also about engaging society. Reforms must be co-created with citizens and industry alike.
- Participatory frameworks that blend policy, people, and private capital are essential to ensuring the resilience and legitimacy of cities. These collaborations can empower cities to meet local needs while contributing to national progress.
Conclusion
Indian cities are vital drivers of regional growth but face challenges in infrastructure, sustainability, and governance. Sustainable urban planning, improved public transport, and resource management are key to promoting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities), ensuring equitable urban development.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Urbanisation is both an opportunity and a challenge for India. Discuss
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)
Mains
Q. The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (2016)
Q. Do government schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies? (2014)
India’s Next-Generation Tsunami Warning System
10-02-2026
Source: IE
India plans to establish a ₹300-crore Regional Service Centre (RSC) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to strengthen its tsunami monitoring and early warning system.
- Location & Regional Role: The proposed Regional Service Centre (RSC) will be established at Vijaynagar on Swaraj Dweep in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and will also provide tsunami warning services to Indian Ocean countries such as Sri Lanka.
- Current System Limitation: India’s existing tsunami warning system largely detects earthquake-triggered tsunamis, despite nearly one-fifth of global tsunamis being caused by non-seismic events like submarine landslides and volcanic activity.
- Next-Generation Capability: The upgraded system will detect both seismic and non-seismic tsunamis, enhancing the speed, accuracy and reliability of warnings across the Indian Ocean region.
- Technology & Infrastructure: The project includes laying about 270 km of sub-sea cables along tectonic subduction zones, enabling faster acoustic signal detection and reducing data gaps caused by damage or loss of surface buoys and satellite limitations.
- Nodal Agency: It is led by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS), which operates the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC).
India Semiconductor Mission 2.0
10-02-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Budget 2026–27 marked a decisive step in India’s technology strategy with the announcement of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0. Building on the ecosystem created under ISM 1.0, the new phase reflects a transition from policy formulation and capacity creation to consolidation, technological depth, and global integration.
What is India Semiconductor Mission 2.0?
- About: ISM 2.0 aims to position India as a reliable and competitive player in the global semiconductor value chain while advancing the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India–Make for the World. A budgetary provision of ₹1,000 crore has been made for FY 2026–27 to support this objective.
- Key Focus Areas:
- Indigenous Manufacturing: Production of semiconductor equipment, chemicals, gases, and materials within India to reduce import dependence and supply disruptions.
- Full-Stack IP Development: Promotion of end-to-end Indian semiconductor intellectual property for secure and globally competitive chip solutions.
- Research & Skills: Establishment of industry-led research and training centres to support applied R&D and advanced manufacturing skills.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Strengthening domestic and global semiconductor supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainties.
- Manufacturing: India has already laid a strong foundation under ISM 1.0, approved in December 2021 with an incentive outlay of ₹76,000 crore offering up to 50% fiscal support.
- As of December 2025, ten projects with investments of ₹1.60 lakh crore have been approved across six states, covering silicon fabs, compound semiconductors, advanced packaging, and testing facilities.
- Market Size: India’s semiconductor market has grown from $38 billion in 2023 to $45–50 billion in 2024–25 and is projected to reach $100–110 billion by 2030.
- India is emerging as a global semiconductor hub, targeting 70–75% self-sufficiency in domestic chip demand by 2029 and aiming to become a leading semiconductor nation with 3 nm and 2 nm manufacturing capabilities by 2035.
- Ecosystem: The Mission is complemented by the Modified Programme for Development of Semiconductor and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem, with a financial outlay of ₹8,000 crore for 2026–27.
- This programme aims to accelerate investments, expand fabrication and packaging capacity, and generate high-quality employment.
Key Initiatives For Semiconductors
- Design Linked Incentive Scheme: Supports fabless companies, semiconductor IP development, and expansion of design manpower.
- Digital India RISC-V Programme: Promotes open-source processor development without licence costs.
- Chips to Startup Programme: Enables access to advanced design tools and fabrication for universities and startups.
- Indigenous Microprocessor Development: Development of processors such as DHRUV64 to reduce dependence on imported chips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the budgetary allocation for ISM 2.0 in 2026–27?
₹1,000 crore has been allocated for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 for FY 2026–27.
2. What is the primary shift from ISM 1.0 to ISM 2.0?
ISM 2.0 shifts focus from initial ecosystem setup to consolidation, advanced manufacturing, indigenous IP, and global integration.
3. Why is semiconductor self-reliance critical for India?
It ensures supply-chain security, economic stability, technological sovereignty, and resilience against global disruptions.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:(2018)
- India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
- The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Transgender Welfare in India
10-01-2026
For Prelims: Transgender, NHRC, Unemployment, Census, National Portal for Transgender Persons, Parliament, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, Fundamental Rights, Right to Privacy, National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP), Election Commission, SMILE Scheme, Ayushman Bharat.
For Mains: Steps taken to ensure transgender welfare in India, Major challenges faced by the transgender community in India and further measures required for transgender empowerment in India.
Source: TH
Why in News?
Recent reports highlight that trans men and gender-diverse persons assigned female at birth (AFAB) continue to face systemic discrimination, medical ignorance, and structural barriers in accessing even basic healthcare.
- This has brought renewed attention to the gaps in affirmative, ethical, and evidence-based transgender welfare in India.
Summary
- Transgender persons in India face systemic discrimination in healthcare, education, and the economy despite landmark laws like the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
- Progressive judicial rulings and welfare schemes exist, but implementation gaps and societal stigma remain major hurdles.
- Empowerment requires convergent action in legal enforcement, affirmative socio-economic policies, and nationwide sensitization.
What are the Major Challenges Faced by the Transgender Community in India?
- Healthcare Access and Medical Discrimination: Nearly 27% report being refused medical care due to their gender identity. Even basic treatment is often gatekept by judgmental attitudes, misgendering, and disrespect.
- Healthcare lacks training on trans men, leading to misgendering, denial of care, and reliance on untrained gynecologists due to binary gender views and invisibility.
- Barriers force unsafe self-medication (risking stroke/kidney disease) amid no pan India protocols or affirming specialists.
- Social Stigma, and Mental Health Crisis: Discrimination against transgender persons starts within the family and extends to all public spheres, causing profound isolation. This pervasive societal stigma and abuse contributes to alarming suicide rates, with 31% dying by suicide and 50% attempting it before age 20.
- Economic Exclusion: Stark economic exclusion persists, with 92% affected (NHRC, 2018) and a 48% unemployment rate (ILO, 2022), forcing many into informal work.
- Additionally, access to finance and inheritance is denied, as banking access remains poor and laws like the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 exclude non-binary heirs.
- Barriers in Education: A stark literacy gap exists, with the community's literacy rate at 56.1% (2011 Census) compared to the national 74%, due to harassment, non-inclusive infrastructure, and high dropout rates.
- This is compounded by near non-existent representation in universities and teaching staff, and the absence of a nationwide gender-sensitive educational framework, which perpetuates stigma.
- Ineffective Legal Implementation: The National Portal for Transgender Persons has issued only 277 certificates of identity since its launch in November 2020, with a low 16% application processing rate despite nationwide functionality. Furthermore, supportive initiatives like the Garima Greh shelter homes remain hindered by inadequate funding, poor awareness, and limited coverage.
- Political Under-Representation: Political representation for transgender persons remains minimal across Parliament, State Assemblies, and local governance, crippling their advocacy for inclusive policy. While voter turnout for the third gender rose to 25% in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, elder care systems continue to largely exclude gender-diverse individuals.
Transgender
- About: A transgender person is an individual whose gender identity (internal sense of self) does not align with the sex assigned at birth.
- This is an umbrella term that includes people with diverse socio-cultural identities such as Hijra, Kinnar, Aravani, and Jogta, as well as those who identify as trans men, trans women, genderqueer, or non-binary.
- Demographics & Population: According to Census 2011, India has a transgender population of approximately 4.88 lakh.
- The top three states with the largest enumerated transgender populations are Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- Legal Recognition: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 provides the formal legal definition and framework for the recognition of transgender identity in India. The Act acknowledges the right to self-perceived gender identity.
- Place within the LGBTQIA+ Community: Transgender persons are a core part of the LGBTQIA+ community, represented by the "T" in the acronym.

What Steps have been Taken to Ensure Transgender Welfare in India?
Judicial Interventions
- NALSA v. Union of India (2014): It legally recognized transgender persons as a third gender and affirmed their fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, 16, 19, and 21.
- It upheld the right to self-identify one’s gender and classified transgender people as Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs), making them eligible for reservations.
- The ruling also directed central and state governments to formulate welfare schemes and provide necessary public facilities for the community.
- Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): It declared the right to privacy a fundamental right, explicitly including the protection of sexual orientation and gender identity within the Constitution.
- Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): It decriminalised consensual same-sex relations by striking down Section 377 of IPC (now BNS 2023), indirectly advancing the social acceptance and dignity of transgender and LGBTQ+ persons.
- Ms. X v. State of Karnataka (2024): The Karnataka High Court upheld the right of transgender persons to change one’s name and gender on birth certificates, reinforcing the implementation of the Transgender Persons Act, 2019 and its 2020 Rules.
Legislative Framework
- Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019: It provides a legal framework prohibiting discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, housing, and public services.
- It allows for self-identification through a District Magistrate-issued Certificate of Identity without medical exams and mandates access to gender-affirming care, and HIV surveillance.
- The Act also establishes a statutory National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP), constituted in 2020, for policy oversight and grievances.
- Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020: It lays down procedures for identity certification, provides for education, health, social security, housing, and welfare measures, and operationalises the Act's non-discrimination mandate.
Electoral Measures
- Election Commission Directive (2009): The Election Commission of India introduced an “Others” gender option in 2009 in voter registration forms, allowing transgender persons to identify without being forced into the male/female binary.
Welfare Schemes
- SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) Scheme: Umbrella scheme for livelihood, education, health, and shelter support (under the sub-scheme Garima Greh).
- Ayushman Bharat TG Plus: Provides health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year per beneficiary for transgender persons.
- Transgender Pension Scheme: Allows transgender persons to be covered under the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme.
- National Portal for Transgender Persons: Enables online applications for Transgender Identity Certificates and tracks their status.
Administrative Measures
- Recognition in Indian Prisons: The Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines in 2022 to ensure the privacy, safety, and dignity of transgender inmates in prisons across states.
State-Level Initiatives
- Kerala: Provides reservations for transgender students in universities and has established transgender-exclusive hostel facilities.
- Maharashtra: Has set up transgender welfare cells in colleges to address grievances and support students.
- Tamil Nadu: Pioneered free gender-affirming surgeries and established dedicated transgender health clinics.
What Further Measures are Required for Transgender Empowerment in India?
- Full Enforcement of Existing Laws: The 2019 Act requires full implementation through efficient grievance redressal cells, a centralized digital portal for certificates, and regular implementation audits.
- Essential steps include simplifying the self-identification process to end delays, mandatory gender-sensitivity training for key officials, and adopting robust state frameworks like Delhi Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2025.
- Economic Inclusion & Livelihood Opportunities: Efforts must scale up successful state-level models, like Karnataka’s 1% job reservation and Tata Steel’s corporate diversity hiring, while expanding SMILE Scheme skilling and entrepreneurship programs.
- Accessible & Affirmative Healthcare: To ensure comprehensive care, gender-affirming treatments like surgery and hormones must be covered under insurance schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, following the model of states like Odisha and Karnataka.
- This requires establishing dedicated health centres, like AIIMS Delhi’s Centre of Excellence, and integrating specialized mental health services.
- Social Awareness & Cultural Change: Sustained public awareness campaigns like “I Am Also Human” and respectful media representation are essential to challenge stigma. This must be supported by amplifying cultural advocacy such as the Koovagam Festival (Tamil Nadu) and inclusive platforms like sports, exemplified by the Ya_All Sports Club's (Manipur) all-transgender football team.
Conclusion
Despite progressive laws and judicial mandates, transgender persons in India face systemic exclusion in healthcare, education, and the economy. True empowerment requires convergent action—rigorous legal implementation, affirmative socio-economic policies, and nationwide sensitization to translate constitutional promises into lived equality.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Despite progressive laws, transgender persons in India continue to face marginalisation. Analyse the reasons and suggest reforms.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is considered a transgender person under Indian law?
A transgender person is one whose gender identity differs from sex assigned at birth, as defined under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
2. Which Supreme Court case recognised transgender persons as the third gender?
NALSA v. Union of India (2014) recognised transgender persons as the third gender and extended full constitutional rights.
3. Name two major welfare schemes for transgender persons in India.
The SMILE Scheme (including Garima Greh shelters) for livelihood and support, and Ayushman Bharat TG Plus, which provides health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per year per beneficiary.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following types of citizens? (2020)
- Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000
- Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000
- Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000
- All Senior Citizens
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (2016)

Money Laundering Issue in India
09-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
A report submitted by the Finance Minister in the Rajya Sabha reveals that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken up 5,892 cases under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 since 2015 but secured only 15 convictions.
- Also, in another development the Supreme Court held that ED must follow the rule of law, urged fast-track courts for PMLA cases, and called for cryptocurrency regulation to prevent misuse without banning it.
What is Money Laundering?
- About: It is the process of disguising illegal proceeds from criminal activities (e.g., drug trafficking, smuggling, arms trade, embezzlement) to make them appear legitimate, enabling criminals to enjoy profits without detection.
- It involves changing the source, form, or location of funds to avoid scrutiny.
- 3 Key Stages: Money laundering involves placement (introducing illicit funds), layering (disguising their origin), and integration (making them appear legitimate).
- Key Methods: Key methods include structuring/ smurfing (splitting large cash into smaller), trade-based laundering, shell companies, and real estate investments.
What are the Key Reasons for Rising Money Laundering Cases in India?
- Legal and Enforcement Gaps: Misuse of Section 5 of PMLA (property attachment without registered offence) and delays in prosecution reduce effectiveness.
- Complex Laundering Techniques: Use of digital currencies/ cryptocurrencies, fintech, and cross-border mechanisms make detection difficult.
- In the Rs 260 crore global cyber fraud case, the ED found that the funds were converted into cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and USDT, which were then laundered through hawala operators and individuals in the UAE.
- Shadow Economy & Cash-Based Sectors: High informal sector presence and lax regulation in real estate, jewellery, and luxury goods.
- Weak Global Cooperation: Despite Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with 85+ countries, limited information sharing hampers investigation.
What are the Key Consequences of Money Laundering?
- Fueling Organised Crime & Terrorism: Laundered funds sustain criminal networks, drug/human trafficking and terror financing.
- Erosion of Public Trust: Encourages corruption and weakens democratic institutions.
- Impact on Vulnerable Groups: Diverts public funds meant for welfare, widening socio-economic inequality.
- Economic Distortion: Undermines monetary policy, creates capital flow volatility, inflates real estate prices, deters FDI, and causes financial instability.
Laundromat
- A “laundromat” refers to a complex web of banking channels, shell firms, and offshore accounts used to clean illicit funds. The term originated from US crime syndicates using laundromats as fronts for laundering.
What is the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002?
- About: PMLA, 2002 (enforced in 2005) was enacted to prevent money laundering and provide for the confiscation of property derived from such activities.
- It targets laundering linked to crimes like drug trafficking, smuggling, and terror financing.
- Enacted under Article 253 of the Constitution to fulfill international commitments.
- Key Provisions of PMLA:
- Attachment, Seizure & Confiscation: The Act empowers authorities to attach, seize, and confiscate property derived from crime.
- These actions are overseen by an Adjudicating Authority and require the existence of a scheduled offence (offence against the state).
- Initiation of Proceedings & ECIR: Proceedings can be initiated based on an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) filed by the ED & no FIR is required.
- The ECIR acts as the starting point for investigation under PMLA.
- The ED derives its powers under PMLA, 2002 from various sections (3, 4, 5, 16, 17 etc) to investigate, attach, seize, and prosecute offenses related to money laundering.
- Bail Conditions (Section 45): The accused must prima facie prove innocence and assure the court of no likelihood of reoffending to secure bail.
- Institutional Mechanisms: Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) receives and analyses suspicious transaction reports from banks and financial institutions.
- The Appellate Tribunal hears appeals against orders passed by the Adjudicating Authority.
- Recent Amendments Related to PMLA: 2019 amendment to PMLA, introduced of Rule 3A, allowing Special Courts to notify claimants for confiscated property after charges are framed.
- The 2023 amendment expanded disclosure obligations for NGOs and redefined Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) to include prominent foreign officials, aligning with FATF standards.
- Global Cooperation: India has signed DTAAs with over 85 countries for:
- Facilitating exchange of financial and tax-related information.
- Enabling tracing of offshore accounts and investments.
- Preventing tax evasion and illegal fund transfers.
Key Judicial Cases Related ED
- In P. Chidambaram vs. ED, 2019, case Supreme Court (SC) held that concealing the illegal source of money impacts the financial system and threatens the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
- In Vir Bhadra Singh vs. ED, 2017 case, SC reiterated that FIR is not essential as ECIR is enough to proceed.
- In Vijay Madanlal Chaudhury vs. Union of India, 2022 case, SC held that registration of a scheduled offence is mandatory for prosecution (Sec 3), but not for property attachment (Sec 5)
- This provision is often misused against dissenting voices or political opponents.
What Measures Should be Taken to Tackle the Issue Money Laundering?
- Strict Compliance with FATF Norms: Authorities must align enforcement with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and checks against misuse.
- Independent &Fair Investigations: Enforcement agencies should act independently, free from political bias, ensuring genuine cases are prioritized and rights of individuals protected.
- Strengthening Evidence Collection & Coordination: Improve financial intelligence mechanisms, inter-agency coordination (ED, FIU, Income Tax Dept.), and use of digital forensics to increase conviction rates.
- Effective Use of DTAA Mechanisms: Enhance data exchange protocols and real-time cooperation with foreign counterparts to track illicit financial flows and plug treaty loopholes.
- Judicial Oversight & Safeguards: Ensure greater judicial scrutiny in attachment and prosecution processes under PMLA to prevent arbitrary action and uphold due process of law.
Conclusion
Money laundering is a grave threat to India’s financial stability and national security. While the PMLA offers a strong legal framework, its implementation is marred by delays, misuse, and low conviction rates. Combating this menace requires legal reforms, enhanced international cooperation, and strengthened institutional accountability.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss India’s institutional and legal measures to combat money laundering. What are the key challenges and the way forward?
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q1. Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (2021)
Q2. Money laundering poses a serious threat to a country's economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace? (2013)
Q3. India’s proximity to the two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same? (2018)

MANAS Helpline
09-08-2025
Source: PIB
The MANAS Helpline, launched in July 2024, has completed one year and received over 70,000 citizen reports on drug-related issues.
MANAS
- About: Madak-Padarth Nished Asoochna Kendra (MANAS) is a secure, anonymous platform for citizens to report drug-related crimes under the NDPS Act and seek support for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of drug abuse.
- Launched by: It is an initiative of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
India’s Framework to Fight Against Drug Menace
- Article 47 of the Indian Constitution:Directs the State to impose prohibition on the consumption of intoxicating drinks and harmful drugs, except for medicinal purposes.
- International Conventions: India is a signatory to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (amended by the 1972 Protocol), the Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988.
- Legislation: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
- Other Initiatives: NIDAAN Portal, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan etc.

Year-End Review 2025: Department of Justice
09-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Department of Justice's 2025 annual review highlighted its key achievements in modernizing India's legal landscape through a multi-pronged strategy focused on judicial appointments, digital transformation, legal aid expansion, and infrastructure development.
What are the Key Achievements of the Department of Justice in the Year 2025?
- Strengthening Judicial Capacity: In 2025, 157 new Judges were appointed to High Courts, led by Allahabad (40), Bombay (21), Madhya Pradesh (15), and Rajasthan (15), while 47 Additional Judges were made permanent and 13 had their tenures extended.
- Additionally, 12 new Chief Justices were appointed and 44 inter-High Court judge transfers were effected to optimize expertise distribution.
- Expanding Legal Access: Tele law (legal advice over telephone or video conferencing) has achieved massive geographical penetration by covering 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across 776 districts and provided pre-litigation advice to over 1.12 crore beneficiaries.
- District level workshop and training conducted in 638 districts training over 37,000 participants, and concluded with the Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman campaign (to inculcate constitutional values) reaching 70.70 lakh people.
- Legal Aid Schemes for Vulnerable Groups: New schemes launched included the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana for defence personnel in Srinagar and the NALSA Scheme for Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict.
- The Supporting Potential and Resilience of the Unseen, Held-back and Affected (SPRUHA) Scheme was introduced for dependents of prisoners and crime victims, and marking 30 years of NALSA, a Community Mediation Training Module was also launched.
- Digital Transformation of Courts: India has become a global leader in virtual hearings with over 3.91 crore conducted, and enhanced citizen access via 1,987 eSewa Kendras and the e-Courts mobile app with 3.38 crore downloads.
- Under the eCourts Phase-III project, over 92 lakh cases were filed electronically, and Rs 1,215 crore was collected as online court fees.
- Enhancing Efficiency in Justice Delivery: Operationalized 774 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including 398 exclusive POCSO courts, in 29 States/UTs. These courts disposed of 3.6 lakh cases since inception, with a 2025 disposal rate of 7.41 cases/month/court—more than double the rate of regular courts (3.18 cases/month/court).
- Infrastructure and Monitoring Systemic Reforms: Physical infrastructure was dramatically improved, with Court Halls increasing to 22,663 and Residential Units to 20,033 from 2014 baselines of 15,818 and 10,211 respectively.
- Real-time monitoring is enabled via the Nyaya Vikas Portal 2.0, and geotagging 94.66% of projects, while engagement in the World Bank's B-READY framework assessments aims to improve India's global standing in dispute resolution.
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
- About: NALSA is a statutory body constituted in 1995 under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to monitor, evaluate, and implement legal aid programmes across India. It has completed 30 years in 2025.
- Constitutional Mandate: Formed to give effect to Article 39A of the Constitution of India, which mandates the State to provide free legal aid to ensure equal justice and opportunities for all citizens, particularly those with economic or other disabilities.
- Also upholds the obligations under Article 14 (equality before law) and Article 22(1) (rights to be informed of grounds for arrest).
- Primary Functions: Lay down policies and principles for making legal services available under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
- Monitor and evaluate the implementation of legal aid programmes across India.
- Disburse funds and grants to State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for implementing legal aid schemes and programmes.
- Integrated Network: NALSA is the apex body of a nationwide network envisaged under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 for providing legal aid and assistance. This network includes:
- State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs): Headed by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court (Patron-in-Chief).
- District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs): Chaired by the District Judge of the respective district.
- Taluk/Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committees: Headed by a senior civil judge.
- High Court Legal Services Committees and the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
- Eligible Groups: Women and Children, Members of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Industrial Workers, Disabled Persons and Other specified categories.
Conclusion
The year 2025 was marked by a holistic approach that combined capacity building (judges), technological depth (eCourts), grassroots reach (Tele-Law), specialized aid (new schemes), physical infrastructure, and process efficiency (FTSCs). This multi-directional effort signifies a year of substantial progress in making justice more accessible, efficient, and inclusive for all citizens.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Assess the multifaceted initiatives undertaken by the Department of Justice in 2025 to enhance judicial capacity, legal aid, and access to justice in India
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Tele-Law initiative and its reach in 2025?
Tele-Law provides pre-litigation legal advice and in 2025 covered 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across 776 districts, benefiting over 1.12 crore citizens.
2. Which key legal aid schemes were launched by NALSA in 2025?
Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana for defence personnel, Human-Wildlife Conflict Scheme, and SPRUHA Scheme for dependents of prisoners and crime victims were launched.
3. What are the major achievements of the eCourts Phase-III project in 2025?
Over 92 lakh e-filings, digitization of 579 crore pages, 3.91 crore virtual hearings, and 1,987 eSewa Kendras enhanced access and transparency in justice delivery.
4. How many Fast Track Special Courts were operationalized in 2025 and what was their impact?
774 FTSCs, including 398 POCSO courts, disposed 3,61,055 cases with an average rate of 7.41 cases/month/court, outperforming regular courts.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: (2021)
- Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
- A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither I nor 2
Ans: (c)
Q. With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements: (2013)
- Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity.
- It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes and schemes throughout the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority(NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. (2023)
Q. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (2017)
BHASHINI's Shrutlekh Multilingual Translation Tool
09-01-2026
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) demonstrated Digital India BHASHINI’s AI tool, Shrutlekh, by using it for real-time multilingual speech-to-text translation during key speeches.
Shrutlekh
- About: Shrutlekh is an AI-powered tool developed under India's BHASHINI (BHASHa INterface for India) platform, initiated by the MeitY as part of the National Language Translation Mission.
- Function: It functions as a real-time speech-to-text transcription and multilingual translation system, enabling Automatic Language Detection (ALD), transcription of spoken content, and Live Translation Display into various Indian languages.
BHASHINI (BHASHa INterface for India)
- About: BHASHINI is India’s AI-powered platform designed to break down language barriers and create a language-inclusive digital India.
- Objective: Its core mission is to enable citizens to access digital content and services in their preferred Indian languages, promoting digital inclusion across governance, education, and healthcare.
- Scope & Accessibility: The platform supports over 22 scheduled Indian languages and features tools like Shrutlekh (speech-to-text), document translation, and a crowdsourcing initiative (Bhashadaan) for data contribution.
- Real-World Integration: BHASHINI is a key pillar of India's Digital Public Infrastructure, enabling language-layer interoperability alongside Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker. It has been deployed for real-time speech translation in governance on portals like e-Shram, for conversational UPI payments, and at major public events.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
08-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
India’s flagship skilling programme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), is under scrutiny after the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) blacklisted 178 training partners (TPs) and training centres (TCs) over serious irregularities such as fake trainees, forged documents, and non-existent centres.
What are the Issues Highlighted Regarding PMKVY?
- Widespread Corruption & Fund Misuse: Several Training Partners inflated bills, diverted funds, and manipulated records.
- Many Training Centres existed only on paper, with no real training activity.
- Attendance records were manipulated to show students who never attended the programme.
- Poor Monitoring And Transparency: Oversight has been inconsistent, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) refused to disclose details of defaulting centres under Right to Information Act 2005 citing confidentiality.
- In many cases, Training Partner and Training Centre identities did not match, weakening accountability.
- State agencies reported lack of clarity on inspections, documentation, and next steps, slowing corrective action.
- Training Disruptions: With 178 TPs/TCs blacklisted (highest in UP, then Delhi, MP, Rajasthan), training in several areas came to a standstill.
- Skill–Industry Mismatch: Training programs often fail to align with current industry requirements due to weak collaboration between training institutions and employers, insufficient labour market forecasting, and inadequate practical exposure for trainees.
- Infrastructure and Accessibility: Many training centres, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, suffer from inadequate facilities, limited access to digital tools, and poor internet connectivity.
- Financial constraints and logistical challenges further restrict participation and outreach.
What is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)?
- About: PMKVY is the flagship skill-development scheme of the MSDE, launched in July 2015. It aims to provide free short-duration training, certify skills through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and enhance youth employability across India.
- Inclusivity: Inclusivity was a key pillar of the scheme with 45% of the candidates being women and a significant share coming from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

- Progress: Over the years, more than 1.63 crore candidates have been trained under PMKVY in diverse sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, IT, electronics, retail and more.
- PMKVY 1.0: During its pilot phase in 2015-16, 19.85 lakh candidates were trained.
- PMKVY 2.0 (2016–20): 1.10 Crore candidates were trained/oriented.
- PMKVY 3.0 (2021–22): 7.37 lakh trained.
- PMKVY 4.0 (2022–26): As of July 2025, over 25 lakh candidates have been trained under this phase.
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- Innovative initiatives by PMKVY:
- Special Projects: Trained Bru-tribe youth, jail inmates, and women under PANKH to expand skilling access for marginalised groups.
- Traditional Crafts & Upskilling: Supported Namda artisans and weavers in J&K and Nagaland through targeted RPL training.
- Mainstreaming Skilling: Integrated skill development into major national missions like PM Surya Ghar and Vibrant Villages.
- Covid-19 Response: Provided crash-course training to over 1.2 lakh health workers during the pandemic.
- Skill Hub Initiative: Used schools and colleges as vocational training hubs under NEP 2020 (National Education Policy).
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Certified informal workers’ existing skills to improve employability.
- Skill India Digital Hub: Introduced the Skill India Digital Hub for digital tracking and Aadhaar-based verification.
- Academic Mobility: Linked PMKVY qualifications with the Academic Bank of Credits for transferable learning credits.
Skill India Mission (SIM)
- About: The SIM provides skilling, reskilling, and upskilling through a nationwide network of training centres.
- JSS: Provides vocational training to non-literates, neo-literates, and school dropouts (15–45 years), with a focus on women, SC/ST/OBC, and minorities; More than 26 people lakh trained (2018–24).
- NAPS: Supports apprenticeships by subsidising stipends. It includes basic and on-the-job training.
- 43.47 lakh apprentices engaged across 36 States/UTs through 51,000 establishments as of May 2025.

What Measures Can Enhance the Effective Implementation of PMKVY?
- Strengthen Monitoring & Accountability: Use real-time digital attendance, geo-tagged centres, and biometric verification to curb fake enrolments.
- Link performance ratings of TPs with continuation of funding and empanelment.
- Incentivise TPs based on placement outcomes, not enrolment numbers.
- Support candidates with post-placement tracking, transport allowances, and workplace counselling.
- Promote Regional & Sectoral Customisation: Tailor courses to match local economic needs, such as agro-processing, tourism, or green energy.
- Encourage state-specific Skill Plans to reflect labour supply and demand.
- Strengthen Digital Infrastructure: Scale up the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) for training delivery, assessments, credentialing, and job matching.
- Integrate with ABC (Academic Bank of Credits) for portability of qualifications.
- Better Convergence: Link PMKVY with MUDRA, PM-Vishwakarma, and Start-Up India for credit and mentoring. Provide enterprise-management modules to help youth start micro-businesses.
Conclusion
PMKVY can unlock India’s demographic dividend only when skilling becomes demand-driven, industry-linked, and outcome-oriented. Strong oversight, industry-linked placements, digital systems, and inclusive access can help PMKVY translate training into real jobs and stronger livelihoods.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Critically evaluate Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) transition from enrolment-driven delivery to outcome-based skilling
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana?
PMKVY is the Government’s flagship scheme (2015) offering free short-term skill training and RPL certification to boost youth employability.
2. What is the Skill India Mission?
Skill India Mission is a nationwide effort to skill, reskill, and upskill youth through schemes like PMKVY, Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and the Jan Shikshan Sansthan to build a job-ready workforce.
3. What key challenges under PMKVY were flagged?
Fake centres, fake attendance, fund misuse, weak monitoring, poor transparency, and training disruption after 178 TPs/TCs were blacklisted.
4. What measures improve PMKVY effectiveness?
Biometric/geo-tagged attendance, third-party audits, outcome-linked payments, stronger industry ties, and transparent public dashboards.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: (2018)
- It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, and financial and digital literacy.
- It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (2016)

Passive Euthanasia in India
08-10-2025
Source:TH
Why in News?
In June 2025, the UK’s House of Commons passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which allows passive euthanasia and has now revived the global debate on the right to die with dignity.
- India recognises passive euthanasia through Supreme Court (SC) of India rulings, but its challenging implementation underscores the need to reform the framework to uphold the constitutional promise of dignity in death.
What is Euthanasia?
- About: Euthanasia or “mercy killing” refers to deliberately hastening a person’s death to prevent further suffering from incurable or terminal illness.
- Types of Euthanasia:
- Active euthanasia: Directly causing a patient’s death, such as through a lethal injection.
- Forms of active euthanasia include:
- Voluntary: Patient consciously chooses death.
- Non-voluntary: Decision made for an incompetent patient.
- Involuntary: Death caused without consent.
- Passive euthanasia: The withdrawal or withholding of life-support or medical treatment when a patient is terminally ill and has no realistic chance of recovery, allowing death to occur naturally.
- This aims to protect the right to die with dignity and prevent prolonged, futile suffering in irreversible medical conditions.
- Legal Status in India:
- Active Euthanasia: It is illegal in India. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 classifies acts committed with the intention of causing death as culpable homicide or murder under Sections 100 and 101.
- Passive Euthanasia: In Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011), the SC recognized that life-sustaining treatment could legally be withheld or withdrawn. It applies even to persons without decision-making capacity.
- In Common Cause v. Union of India (2018), the SC recognized the right to die with dignity as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, and legalized the use of advance medical directives or “living wills (specifying conditions under which treatment may be withdrawn)”.


Did you Know?
- Euthanasia and assisted suicide are not the same. Euthanasia involves another person, usually a doctor, directly ending a patient’s life. Assisted suicide involves providing the means or information for a person to end their own life.
- Suicide tourism, also called euthanasia tourism, refers to patients traveling to countries where euthanasia or assisted suicide is legal.
- Switzerland is the leading destination, attracting patients primarily from the UK, Germany, and France.
What are the Ethical Perspectives of Euthanasia?
Why is there a Need to Reform Passive Euthanasia in India?
- Bureaucratic Delays: The modified 2018 euthanasia guidelines aim to fast-track passive euthanasia, but due to ineffective implementation, current procedures involving multi-tier approvals still cause delays for terminally ill patients, prolonging suffering and undermining the constitutional promise of dignity in death.
- Practical Inaccessibility: Families and doctors often bypass legal procedures due to their complexity, leaving decisions informal and exposing medical professionals to potential legal liability.
- Low Awareness: Many patients, families, and healthcare professionals are unaware of legal provisions such as living wills and advance directives, limiting the practical use of passive euthanasia.
- Societal and Cultural Concerns: In India, euthanasia is often viewed with moral opposition due to the belief in the sanctity of life, as well as religious and cultural perspectives that consider it akin to murder.
- Fragmented Healthcare System: Uneven hospital infrastructure, lack of trained personnel, and absence of hospital-level ethics committees prevent timely, fair, and humane implementation of passive euthanasia.
What Reforms are Needed for Passive Euthanasia in India?
- Digitisation of Advance Directives: Create a National Euthanasia Portal linked with Aadhaar for registering, updating, or revoking living wills.
- Allow doctors to validate mental capacity online, reducing paperwork and delays.
- Hospital-Level Ethics Committees: Establish committees including senior physicians, palliative care specialists, and an independent member.
- Empower them to authorize withdrawal of life support within 48 hours, decentralizing decision-making.
- Transparent Oversight: Replace single-state ombudsman model with digital dashboards or state-level health commissioners to monitor cases.
- Conduct periodic audits and public reporting to build trust and prevent misuse.
- Mandatory Safeguards: Include 7-day cooling-off period, psychological counselling, and palliative care review before approving withdrawal of treatment.
- Protect vulnerable populations (elderly, disabled, financially dependent) from coercion.
- Capacity Building & Awareness: Integrate end-of-life ethics and legal training into medical and nursing curricula.
- Run public awareness campaigns to normalize living wills, advance care planning, and palliative care options.
- Streamlined Procedures: Simplify approvals while maintaining safeguards to reduce bureaucratic delays and ensure timely relief for terminally ill patients.
Conclusion
Reforming passive euthanasia is crucial to make the law workable, ethical, and aligned with India’s constitutional commitment to dignity in dying, bridging the gap between legal recognition and practical access.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Examine the ethical and legal challenges surrounding passive euthanasia in India and suggest reforms to ensure the constitutional promise of dignity in death
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is passive euthanasia?
Passive euthanasia involves withholding or withdrawing life-support or medical treatment from terminally ill patients, allowing natural death while protecting the right to die with dignity.
- Is active euthanasia legal in India?
No. Active euthanasia is illegal under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as it is considered culpable homicide or murder.
- Which Supreme Court cases recognised passive euthanasia in India?
Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011) and Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) established legal recognition of passive euthanasia and living wills.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (2018)
(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.
(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.
Ans: (C)
Mains
Q. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care.Discuss.(2020)
WHO Classified Hepatitis D as Carcinogenic
08-08-2025
Source: IE
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reclassified Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) as carcinogenic.
Hepatitis
- About: It is a liver inflammation from viral infections, autoimmune disorders, alcohol/drug toxicity. It can be acute or chronic, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic initially, later fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, joint pain, jaundice.
- Causes: Hepatotropic viruses (A, B, C, D, E), others like Varicella, SARS-CoV-2 & non-viral causes such as alcohol, drugs, autoimmune hepatitis, fatty liver.
- Prevalence: In 2022, WHO reported 254 million hepatitis B cases, 50 million hepatitis C cases, and 1.3 million deaths, with half of chronic cases in those aged 30–54.
- Hepatitis D: It is a defective virus that depends on the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) for infection and replication.
- Risk: Causes co-infection or superinfection with HBV, increasing risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer) by 2–6 times compared to HBV alone.
- Prevalence: Low but likely underreported in India, especially among intravenous drug users and chronic HBV patients.
- Diagnosis,Treatment & Prevention: Diagnosis relies on the HDV-RNA test, with limited treatment options, though new drugs like bulevirtide show promise.
- Prevention depends on universal Hepatitis B vaccination, which has about 50% coverage in India.
- Key measures include safe blood transfusions, needle safety, safe sexual contact, and screening high-risk groups.
- Key Initiatives:

Ayush Export Promotion Council
08-01-2026
Source: PIB
Recently, the Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) observed its 4th Establishment Anniversary on 4th January 2026.
- About: It is the nodal Export Promotion Council for the AYUSH sector, launched by the Prime Minister during the Global AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit, Gandhinagar in 2022.
- It functions in consultation with the Ministry of AYUSH with support from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Functions: The Council undertakes exporter capacity building, regulatory compliance facilitation, B2B meetings, international exhibitions, seminars and overseas outreach programmes to strengthen global market access.
- Coverage: The Council oversees exports of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Homeopathy, herbal products and Indian traditional healthcare services.
- Ayush Quality Mark: AYUSHEXCIL anchors the Ayush Quality Mark programme of the Ministry of AYUSH, strengthening global quality assurance and product credibility.
- Trade Agreement Integration: AYUSH systems have received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements, including the India–Oman CEPA and the India–New Zealand FTA, with dedicated annexes on traditional medicine and health-related services.
- Achievement: AYUSH and herbal product exports grew by 6.11%, rising from USD 649.2 million (2023–24) to USD 688.89 million (2024–25), reflecting rising global demand for India’s traditional medicine systems.
Indian Railways’ Electrification Drive
08-01-2026
Source: PIB
Indian Railways has electrified 99.2% of its Broad Gauge (1.676 metre distance between the inner faces of the two parallel rail lines) network, covering 69,427 Route Kilometres (RKMs) out of 70,001 RKMs as of November 2025, aligning infrastructure growth with sustainability.
- Historical Significance: Railway electrification in India began in 1925 with the first electric train running between Bombay Victoria Terminus and Kurla Harbour, laying the foundation for energy-efficient rail mobility.
- Acceleration in the Last Decade: Electrification pace surged from 1.42 km/day (2004–2014) to over 15 km/day (2019–2025). The share of electrified railway tracks increased from 24% in 2000 to over 96% by 2024, reaching 99.2% by November 2025.
- Near-Universal State Coverage: Railways' networks in 25 States/UTs are 100% electrified, with only 5 States (Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam, and Goa) having residual non-electrified sections totalling 574 RKMs (0.8%).
- Economic and Environmental Gains: Electric traction is about 70% more economical than diesel and significantly reduces carbon emissions, air pollution, and fossil fuel dependence.

- Global Railway Electrification (as of June 2025): Switzerland leads with 100% railway electrification, followed by China (82%), Spain (67%), Japan (64%), France (60%), Russia (52%), and the United Kingdom (39%).
- Integration of Renewable Energy: As of November 2025, Indian Railways has commissioned 898 MW of solar capacity, up from 3.68 MW in 2014, representing a nearly 244-fold increase. Solar installations now cover 2,626 railway stations across India.
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary: India’s Third Cheetah Site
07-11-2025
Source: IE
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (NWS) in Madhya Pradesh is being prepared as India’s third cheetah site.
- Unlike Kuno and Gandhi Sagar, where cheetahs were introduced into predator-free landscapes, Nauradehi already has about 25 tigers along with wolves, wild dogs, panthers, and crocodiles, making it the first site where cheetahs must share space with apex predators.
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, declared in 1975. The entire Sanctuary is situated on the upper Vindhyan plateau within the Deccan Peninsula biogeographic region.
- Connectivity: NWS acts as a corridor for Panna Tiger Reserve and Satpura Tiger Reserve while indirectly connecting Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve via Rani Durgawati Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Habitat & Forests: The area is dominated by Tropical Dry Deciduous forests of the central Indian monsoon zone.
- Flora: Teak is the main species, along with Saja, Dhaora, Bhirra, Mahua, Tendu, Ber, Bel, Gunja, and Amla.
- Fauna: It hosts tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, and Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), alongside nilgai, chinkara, spotted deer, sambar, and blackbuck.
- The Indian wolf is recognised as the sanctuary’s keystone species, reflecting its strong canid presence.
- Birdlife exceeds 170 species, and crocodiles occur in the Bamner river.
- Rivers & Drainage: Three fourth of Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary falls in the Yamuna (Ganges) basin and one fourth of the sanctuary falls in the Narmada basin.
- The Kopra River, Bamner River, Bearma River, which are tributaries of the Ken River, are the major rivers of this protected area
- Geology & Soils: Vindhyan sandstone dominates NWS, alongside Lameta and Deccan Trap formations.
- Soils range from red and black to alluvial, shaping varied dry forest and grassland vegetation.

Female Labour Force Participation in India
07-10-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
India’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) has seen a significant rise in recent years. While this seems promising for gender equality, a closer look reveals persistent challenges in employment quality, wages, and sectoral distribution for women.
What are the Trends in Female Labour Force Participation in India?
- FLFPR: FLFPR includes women who are either employed or actively seeking work. The rise in this metric does not necessarily reflect improved economic inclusion if the work is unpaid or non-remunerative.
- According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) (2023-24), the FLFPR declined from 31.2% in 2011–12 to 23.3% in 2017–18, marking a period of withdrawal of women from the labour market.
- However, it rose sharply to 41.7% in 2023–24, suggesting renewed female engagement in economic activity.
- Rural Women Driving the Increase: The recent increase in FLFPR has been driven largely by rural women, not by urban participation.
- Rural distress, inflation, and the need to supplement household income have compelled more women to engage in work-related activities.
- However, these are not necessarily formal or paid jobs, much of this rise is due to unpaid or self-employment roles.
- Return to Agriculture Instead of Diversification: Contrary to expectations of structural transformation, women are moving back into agriculture, not out of it.
- The share of rural women in agriculture rose from 71.1% in 2018–19 to 76.9% in 2023–24, while their presence in the industrial and service sectors declined.
- This reflects a reverse structural shift, often linked to limited non-farm opportunities for women.
- Unpaid and Self-Employment on the Rise: Women’s participation has increased mainly in unpaid family labour and own-account work, not in salaried or wage employment.
- Between 2017–18 and 2023–24, women reporting “domestic duties” declined from 57.8% to 35.7%, but “helpers in household enterprises” rose from 9.1% to 19.6%, and “own account workers and employers” from 4.5% to 14.6%.
- Thus, much of this rise represents a shift from unpaid domestic work to unpaid or low-paid self-employment.
- This indicates that increased participation has not translated into better income security or job quality.
- The rise in participation, therefore, reflects economic distress rather than genuine economic inclusion.
What Structural Constraints Continue to Undermine Women’s Labour Market Outcomes?
- Overrepresentation in Low-Productivity Sectors: A disproportionate number of women remain concentrated in agriculture and informal sectors, limiting access to high-paying, stable jobs.
- Despite India's growth in manufacturing and services, these sectors have remained male-dominated and inaccessible to many rural women.
- The Double Burden: In rural India, women’s domestic and economic roles often overlap, making it difficult to clearly classify their work as “employment.”
- Many are involved in subsistence or family-based enterprises, which are often unpaid or undercounted in official data, inflating FLFPR figures without reflecting actual empowerment.
- The Economic Survey 2024 shows women's unpaid care work contributes 3.1% to GDP.
- Such ‘invisible’ labour rarely contributes to income or asset ownership, thereby offering no pathway to empowerment.
- Gender Norms and Mobility Barriers: Societal expectations around women’s roles, limited access to safe public transport, and lack of childcare infrastructure significantly curtail their mobility and job choices.
- Women often prefer home-based or nearby work, which further entrenches them in low-paying, unregulated sectors.
- Informality and Absence of Social Protection: Over 90% of employed women are in the informal sector, where there is little to no access to social security, maternity benefits, or legal safeguards.
- Such employment is typically irregular, seasonal, and dependent on family or local networks, making women’s incomes volatile and dependent.
How can India Transform Rise in FLFPR into Qualitative Economic Inclusion?
- Redesign Employment Metrics: Move beyond mere participation rates to include measures of earnings, work conditions, hours worked, and asset control.
- Targeted Formal Employment Creation: Introduce gender-sensitive incentives under schemes like Production-Linked Incentive (PLI), Make in India, and MSME support to create wage jobs for women.
- Promote labour-intensive industries (e.g., textiles, food processing) in rural areas to facilitate proximity-based employment.
- Expand MGNREGA-like schemes for women-specific tasks (e.g., afforestation, eldercare).
- Enhance Care Infrastructure and Social Services: Establish community childcare centres, elderly care services, and public cooking facilities to reduce women’s unpaid burden.
- These services act as ‘social infrastructure’ enabling higher female workforce participation.
- Invest in Skills and Digital Inclusion: Launch region-specific, demand-driven skill programs focusing on sectors like health, education, logistics, and digital services.
- Recognize and Support Self-Employed Women: Strengthen Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and link them with formal credit and market platforms.
- Provide enterprise training, e-commerce linkages, and digital financial literacy to make self-employment more sustainable.
- Challenge Deep-rooted Gender Norms: Public campaigns, school-level sensitisation, and media narratives must promote shared domestic responsibilities and female role models in non-traditional jobs.
Conclusion
India’s rising female labour force participation reflects resilience, not necessarily empowerment. True progress lies in turning this quantitative surge into quality employment, fair wages, and equal access to opportunities. Achieving this transformation is central to SDG 5: Gender Equality, ensuring women’s full and effective participation in economic life.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Rising female labour participation in India reflects resilience, not empowerment. Discuss with reference to the quality of women’s employment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is India’s current Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR)?
As per Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24, India’s FLFPR stands at 41.7%, up from 23.3% in 2017–18.
2. Which group has driven the rise in FLFPR?
The increase is primarily led by rural women, often entering the workforce due to economic distress and household income needs.
3. What sectors dominate women’s employment in India?
Around 76.9% of rural women remain in agriculture, with declining participation in industry and services.
4. Why is the rise in FLFPR seen as distress-driven?
Most new work is in unpaid or self-employment, indicating economic compulsion rather than formal job creation.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Disguised unemployment generally means (2013)
(a) large number of people remain unemployed
(b) alternative employment is not available
(c) marginal productivity of labour is zero
(d) productivity of workers is low
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (2023)
Q. “Success of ‘Make in India’ program depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. (2015)
Q. “While we flaunt India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employability.” What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come from? Explain. (2014)
People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) 2025–26
07-10-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) 2025–26: “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas” across all States and Union Territories.
What is the People’s Plan Campaign (PPC)?
- About: Launched on 2nd October 2018, the PPC (also known as jan yojana abhiyan) aims to strengthen participatory, transparent, and accountable local governance by involving citizens in preparing Panchayat Development Plans (PDPs) at the Gram, Block, and District levels.
- Objectives:
- Prepare inclusive and convergent development plans (Gram PDPs, Block PDPs, District PDPs).
- The campaign seeks to achieve effective localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating the nine thematic approaches of LSDGs into PDPs and by incorporating Village Prosperity and Resilience Plans (VPRPs) prepared by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) federations.
- To promote gender-responsive governance via Women Elected Representatives (WERs) and community participation.
- It ensures transparency through public information campaigns and Gram Sabha disclosures.
- PPC Achievement: According to the eGramSwaraj Portal, as of July 2025 more than 18.13 lakh PDPs have been uploaded from 2019–20 to 2025-26.
- PPC 2025–26 Highlights:
- Gram Sabhas will review previous GPDPs using eGramSwaraj, Meri Panchayat App, and Panchayat NIRNAY, assess progress, address delays, and prioritize unfinished projects, especially those linked to unspent Central Finance Commission grants.
- The campaign focuses on tribal empowerment via Adi Karmayogi Abhiyaan, enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusive rural development.

What is the Role of Panchayats in India’s Development Framework?
- Constitutional Obligation: The Gram Panchayat, as the foundational unit of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, was institutionalized by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, to strengthen participatory democracy and decentralized governance in rural India.
- Article 243G empowers Panchayats to plan and implement programs for economic development and social justice, making them autonomous units of local self-government.
- Service Delivery & Welfare: Panchayats are directly responsible for providing essential infrastructure and services, including water supply, sanitation, roads, street lighting, health, education, and nutrition, and for implementing welfare schemes and community development programs.
- Development Planning: Annual Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) are prepared in participatory Gram Sabhas, ensuring local priorities are incorporated.
- Plans are comprehensive, covering the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule, and resource-aligned, leveraging Central and State funds.
- Block (BPDPs) and District Panchayat Development Plans (DPDPs) ensure convergence, coordination, and effective scaling of initiatives.
- People's Planning: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) contribute through Village Prosperity and Resilience Plans (VPRPs), embedding community-driven, gender-sensitive, and socially inclusive development approaches.
- Localization of SDGs: Panchayats play a key role by integrating the nine thematic approaches of SDGs (poverty free, healthy, child friendly, water sufficient, clean & green, self-sufficient infrastructure, socially secured, good governance and women friendly villages) into local plans.
- By incorporating these SDG themes, Panchayats act as essential instruments to translate national and global development goals into measurable and impactful outcomes at the grassroots level.
What are the Key Challenges and Actionable Strategies for Improving the Effectiveness of PPC?
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Challenges
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Actionable Strategies
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- Train Panchayat officials and facilitators through State Institutes of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PRs).
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- Panchayats earn only 1% of their revenue through taxes. The majority of their revenue comes from grants provided by the Centre and the States.
- Limited OSR reduces autonomy in implementing development priorities.
- Some regions have also reported non-receipt of funds under key schemes, impacting their functioning.
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- Incentivize OSR mobilization and performance-linked grants recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.
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- Poor connectivity in remote areas hampers e-governance and real-time monitoring via platforms like eGramSwaraj.
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- Expand BharatNet, digital infrastructure, train stakeholders on eGramSwaraj, Panchayat NIRNAY, and Meri Panchayat App.
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- Multi-departmental convergence remains weak, affecting holistic planning.
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Conclusion
The People’s Plan Campaign is strengthening decentralization by combining community participation with digital planning. PPC 2025–26 can make Panchayati Raj more transparent, inclusive, and accountable, driving equitable rural growth and advancing India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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Drishti Mains Question:
How does the People’s Plan Campaign strengthen participatory governance at the Panchayat level?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the People’s Plan Campaign (PPC)?
The PPC, launched in 2018, is a nationwide initiative promoting participatory, transparent, and accountable local governance through Gram, Block, and District Panchayat Development Plans.
2. Which constitutional provision empowers Panchayats under PPC?
Article 243G of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 empowers Panchayats to plan and implement programs for economic development and social justice at the local level.
3. What digital tools are used in PPC 2025–26 for planning and monitoring?
Platforms like eGramSwaraj, Panchayat NIRNAY, Meri Panchayat App, along with Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) and SabhaSaar, support planning, progress assessment, and community engagement.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in (2017)
(a) Federalism
(b) Democratic decentralisation
(c) Administrative delegation
(d) Direct democracy
Ans: (b)
Q. The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? (2015)
- People’s participation in development
- Political accountability
- Democratic decentralisation
- Financial mobilisation
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (2022)
Q. Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources can the Panchayats look out for financing developmental projects? (2018)
Q. In absence of a well-educated and organised local level government system,`Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss. (2015)
Revised Startup Recognition Framework
07-02-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India has revised the startup recognition framework under the Startup India Action Plan, marking a significant policy update as the Startup India initiative enters its second decade.
What are the Key Revisions in India's Startup Recognition Framework?
- Introduction of a Deep Tech Startup Category: A dedicated sub-category of startup has been introduced for "Deep Tech Startups" with specific criteria to identify genuine innovation:
- Definition: The entity must develop solutions based on new scientific or engineering knowledge, involving long development cycles, extended gestation periods, high capital and infrastructure needs, and significant technical or scientific uncertainty.
- R&D Focus: It must have a high percentage of expenditure on Research & Development relative to its revenue or funding.
- IP Requirement: The entity must own or be in the process of creating significant, novel intellectual property (IP) and be taking steps to commercialise it.
- Asset Restriction: During the recognition period, Deep Tech startups are explicitly disallowed from investing in assets or activities not integral to their core business.
- Authority: The DPIIT is the final authority that determines whether a company qualifies as a startup or a deep tech startup.
- It will decide this based on “guidance” from an Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification.
- Turnover Limit and Age Eligibility: Under the new DPIIT norms, the turnover limit for startup recognition has been doubled from Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore for entities up to 10 years from incorporation.
- For deep tech startups, the recognition period has been extended from 10 to 20 years from incorporation, with the turnover limit raised to Rs 300 crore.
- Cooperative Societies: Both Multi-State Cooperative Societies (under Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002) and Cooperative Societies (under State and Union Territory Cooperative Acts) are now eligible for startup recognition.
- This move specifically aims to boost innovation in agriculture, rural development, and allied sectors.
- Restrictions to Prevent Misuse: To ensure that benefits accrue only to genuine startups, the revised framework introduces stricter safeguards, including a bar on entities engaged in speculative or non-productive assets or activities, as notified by the government.
- It also clearly excludes businesses formed through the splitting up or reconstruction of existing enterprises from being recognised as startups.

Note: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is the custodian of the Rs 1 lakh crore Research and Development Innovation (RDI) Fund that is expected to invest in emerging technology and fund research over seven years.
- A part of these investments, which will be through secondary fund managers such as financial institutions, will go to deep tech startups.
What is the Startup India Initiative?
- About: The Startup India Initiative launched on 16th January 2016, led by DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has evolved into a full-stack platform supporting startups from ideation to scale.
- Startup India Action Plan: An Action Plan for Startup India was unveiled in 2016.
- The Action Plan comprises 19 action items spanning across areas such as “Simplification and handholding”, “Funding support and incentives” and “Industry-academia partnership and incubation”.
- The Action Plan laid the foundation of Government support, schemes and incentives envisaged to create a vibrant startup ecosystem in the country.
- Major Schemes & Support Pillars: The Fund of Funds for Startups channels a Rs 10,000 crore corpus through SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds to expand domestic risk capital.
- The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups enables collateral-free lending via eligible financial institutions.
- The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme provides early-stage funding for proof of concept, prototyping, and market entry.
- The Startup India Hub acts as a single-window digital platform linking startups with investors, mentors, incubators, corporates, and government bodies.
- At the federal level, the States’ Startup Ranking Framework promotes competitive federalism by assessing startup policy performance across States and UTs.
- Mentorship and networking platforms such as Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth (MAARG) and Startup India Investor Connect Portal bridge founders with mentors and investors, strengthening the overall startup ecosystem.
- Impact & Achievements:
- Scale: India is now one of the world's largest startup ecosystems with over 2 lakh recognized startups.
- Unicorns: The number of unicorns (startups valued at USD 1 Billion+) has grown from just 4 in 2014 to over 120.
- Inclusivity: Over 45% of startups have at least one woman director, and nearly 50% of recognized startups come from Tier II and Tier III cities.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the key objective of revising the Startup Recognition Framework?
To create a predictable, inclusive, and innovation-focused ecosystem while ensuring benefits reach genuine startups.
2. Who qualifies as a Deep Tech Startup under the new framework?
Startups based on scientific or engineering advancements with high R&D spend and ownership of novel intellectual property.
3. What changes have been made to turnover and age limits for startups?
General startups can now have up to Rs 200 crore turnover and 10 years’ age, while deep tech startups get 20 years and Rs 300 crore cap.
4. Why are cooperative societies included in startup recognition?
To boost innovation in agriculture, rural development, and allied sectors through cooperative-led entrepreneurship.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
- Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.
- It provides for refinance through SIDBI,
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: C
Q. What does venture capital mean? (2014)
(a) A short-term capital provided to industries
(b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs
(c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses
(d) Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries
Ans: (b)
Union Budget 2026–27 Push for Chemical Parks
07-02-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Budget 2026–27 announced India’s first dedicated budgetary support for chemical park infrastructure, proposing a ₹600 crore, challenge-based scheme to help States establish three Chemical Parks.
What are Chemical Parks?
- About: Chemical Parks are planned industrial clusters designed specifically for chemical and petrochemical manufacturing, where multiple units operate together using shared infrastructure and common facilities.
- Key Features: The parks will follow a cluster-based, plug-and-play model, offering ready industrial land, common utilities, logistics support, and standard environmental compliance facilities such as waste treatment and safety systems.
- The initiative builds on successful cluster models such as Plastic Parks, Bulk Drug Parks, and Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions(PCPIRs), which have demonstrated the benefits of shared infrastructure, economies of scale, and faster project execution
- Objective: The initiative aims to strengthen domestic chemical manufacturing, reduce import dependence, improve supply-chain integration, and enhance India’s global competitiveness in bulk and specialty chemicals.
- India’s Status: India’s chemical industry is a core pillar of manufacturing, supplying key inputs to agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles and construction, contributing about 7% to GDP, ranking sixth globally and third in Asia.
- Significance: Backed by targeted policy support and measures to encourage technology adoption, innovation, and sustainability, this integrated approach is expected to deepen domestic manufacturing capabilities and enhance India’s integration into global chemical value chains in the coming decade.

Related Cluster-based Initiatives
- Plastic Parks Scheme: Plastic Parks are dedicated industrial zones for plastic processing, created to promote recycling, value addition, exports, and employment through shared infrastructure and common facilities.
- Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks: Bulk Drug Parks aim to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing by providing common infrastructure such as effluent treatment plants, testing laboratories, and shared utilities, thereby reducing import dependence on APIs, with parks located in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIRs): PCPIRs are large, integrated industrial regions that support petroleum, chemical, and petrochemical manufacturing by co-locating production units with logistics, utilities, and environmental infrastructure, with major examples at Dahej (Gujarat), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), and Paradeep (Odisha).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Chemical Parks?
Chemical Parks are planned industrial clusters with shared infrastructure and plug-and-play facilities for chemical and petrochemical manufacturing.
2. How many Chemical Parks were announced in Union Budget 2026–27?
The Budget announced support for three Chemical Parks, to be set up by States through a challenge-based selection process.
3. What is the budgetary allocation for Chemical Parks?
An allocation of ₹600 crore has been made in Union Budget FY 2026–27 for establishing these parks.
4. Why are Chemical Parks important for India?
They help strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, improve environmental compliance, and enhance global competitiveness of the chemical sector.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight? (2015)
(a) Coal production
(b) Electricity generation
(c) Fertilizer production
(d) Steel production
Ans: (b)
Rat-Hole Mining in Meghalaya
07-02-2026
Source: IE
Why in News?
A major disaster has unfolded in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills, where at least 18 workers died following an explosion in an illegally operating rat-hole coal mine.
Summary
- The recent rat-hole mining tragedy in Meghalaya exposes the continued prevalence of illegal, unsafe coal extraction despite bans by the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court, driven by thin coal seams, livelihood dependence and weak enforcement under Sixth Schedule autonomy.
- Rat-hole mining causes severe human rights violations and environmental damage, including deaths from flooding and suffocation, acid mine drainage, deforestation and river pollution, highlighting the need for stronger surveillance and sustainable livelihood alternatives.
What is Rat-hole Mining?
- About: Rat-hole mining is a primitive and hazardous method of coal extraction in which very narrow tunnels are dug just large enough for a person to crawl through.
- The tunnels are typically 3–4 feet high, forcing miners to work in squatting or crawling positions with basic tools.
- Rat-hole Mining involves no scientific planning, ventilation, or structural support, making it extremely dangerous.
- While predominantly practised in Meghalaya, reports of rat-hole mining have surfaced in other northeastern states of India as well.
- Types: Side-cutting, where horizontal tunnels are dug into hill slopes by following exposed coal seams.
- Box-cutting, where a deep vertical pit is first dug, and then multiple horizontal tunnels branch out in all directions like tentacles.
- The method involves no scientific planning, ventilation, or structural support, making it extremely dangerous.
- Legality: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the practice in 2014, citing it as "unscientific and illegal" and highlighting the environmental damage.
- Reasons for Persistence:
- Geological Necessity: The coal seams in Meghalaya are very thin (often less than 2 meters).
- Open-cast mining, which is standard elsewhere, is economically unviable here because removing the vast amount of soil/rock to reach such thin seams is too expensive. Rat-hole mining targets the seam directly with minimal waste removal.
- Economic Dependence: For many local communities, this is the only known source of livelihood. The "quick money" from coal supports entire local economies.
- Lack of Alternatives: The region lacks significant industrial development or alternative employment opportunities, pushing locals back into the mines despite the risks.
- Demand: Local and regional industries continue to rely on this cheap, black-market coal.
- Reports often point to a collusion between mine owners, local authorities, and political figures, allowing the trade to continue despite official bans.
What are the Concerns Associated with Rat-hole Mining?
- Safety Hazards: The mines are death traps. They lack pillars for support, ventilation systems, or emergency exits.
- Common causes of death include roof collapses, flooding (as seen in the 2018 Ksan disaster), and asphyxiation from toxic gases.
- The employment of children in these hazardous conditions highlights serious child labour violations.
- Water Pollution: The most critical impact is Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). When sulfur-bearing minerals in coal interact with water and oxygen, they produce sulfuric acid.
- This contaminates nearby water bodies with heavy metals like Iron, Cadmium, and Chromium.
- Rivers such as the Kopili (Assam-Meghalaya border), Myntdu, and Lukha (Jaintia Hills) have turned too acidic to sustain aquatic life.
- Deforestation & Soil Erosion: Massive forest clearing for mining has led to biodiversity loss and topsoil erosion, rendering the land infertile.
- Air Pollution: Operations release fine particulate matter and toxic gases, severely degrading air quality in regions inhabited by Scheduled Tribes like the Jaintias, Khasis, and Garos.
- "Black Lung" Disease: Workers, who are often children, suffer from silicosis and pneumoconiosis due to prolonged exposure to coal dust without protective gear.
- Poor ventilation increases the risk of asphyxiation and poisoning from gases trapped in the mines.
- Regulatory Challenges: In Sixth Schedule areas, ownership of both land and minerals rests with local communities and Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), limiting central oversight and often leading to conflicts between ADC regulations and national frameworks such as the MMDR Act, 1957
- Although the MMDR Act, 1957 empowers states to curb illegal mining, enforcement is paralyzed by a lack of manpower, corruption, and political interference.
What Measures can Effectively End Rat-hole Mining Crisis?
- Technological surveillance: Use drones, satellite imagery and Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping to detect illegal mining in real time in remote areas, supported by a centralized database to track offenders and repeat violations.
- Alternative Livelihoods: The government must develop viable alternative livelihoods by promoting pineapple cultivation, eco-tourism, and other agri-horticulture sectors where Meghalaya has strong comparative potential, thereby reducing dependence on mining.
- Empowered "Mining EACs": Create a dedicated cadre of Extra Assistant Commissioners (EACs) whose sole KPI (Key Performance Indicator) is mining oversight. They should report directly to the NGT committee, bypassing local political pressure.
- MEPRF Utilization: The Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund should be strictly ring-fenced to pay wages to former miners engaged in ecological restoration, creating a dedicated “Green Corps.”
- Open-cast Methods: If mining must continue for the economy, it cannot be rat-hole. The state must invest in open-cast methods in designated zones where the seam is thick enough.
- This allows for ventilation, safety pillars, and mechanized extraction, but it requires consolidating small land holdings into larger cooperatives to be viable.
Conclusion
Ending the rat-hole mining crisis demands a dual approach: enforcing strict technological surveillance while proactively funding sustainable livelihoods to break the economic dependence on illegal extraction.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the environmental and human health impacts of rat-hole mining.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is rat-hole mining?
Rat-hole mining is a primitive coal extraction method involving narrow, unventilated tunnels dug manually, forcing workers to crawl and squat, posing extreme safety risks.
2. Why was rat-hole mining banned in Meghalaya?
It was banned by the National Green Tribunal in 2014 due to deaths from flooding and suffocation, severe environmental damage, and its unscientific nature.
3. Why does rat-hole mining continue despite the ban?
Thin coal seams, livelihood dependence, lack of alternatives, demand for cheap coal, and weak enforcement under Sixth Schedule autonomy enable its persistence.
4. What are the major environmental impacts of rat-hole mining?
It causes acid mine drainage, river acidification, deforestation, soil erosion, air pollution and loss of aquatic life.
5. What measures can help end the rat-hole mining crisis?
Technological surveillance, alternative livelihoods, empowered oversight officers, ecological restoration using MEPRF funds, and transition to scientific mining methods.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
Mains
Q. In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development. Discuss. (2017)
Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme
07-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India’s Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme for Semiconductors has shown strong on-ground outcomes, highlighting rapid progress in building a self-reliant semiconductor design ecosystem amid global supply-chain vulnerabilities.
What are the Key Facts About the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme?
- About: The DLI Scheme is a central government initiative implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Semicon India Programme to promote indigenous semiconductor chip design by providing financial incentives and advanced design infrastructure to domestic startups and MSMEs.
- Objective: The DLI scheme aims to create a globally competitive, self-reliant chip design ecosystem focused on fabless semiconductor design.
- Fabless semiconductor design means designing and developing semiconductor chips without owning manufacturing plants, with fabrication outsourced to specialised foundries.
- Need for DLI Scheme: Fabless semiconductor companies occupy the most strategic position in the electronics value chain, as design and IP contribute over half of a chip’s value, account for up to 50% of value addition and 20–50% of the Bill of Materials, and drive nearly 30–35% of global semiconductor sales.
- Since design and IP determine performance, efficiency, security, and long-term competitiveness, the absence of indigenous design capabilities leaves countries dependent on imported core technologies even with local manufacturing, underscoring the need to build a strong domestic fabless ecosystem through the DLI Scheme.
- Eligibility The DLI Scheme covers startups (as per Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notification, 2019), MSMEs (as per MSME notification, 2020), and domestic companies owned by resident Indian citizens in line with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy Circular, 2017 or extant norms.
- This inclusive design allows participation across stages of enterprise maturity.
- Scope of Support: Support is provided across the entire semiconductor design lifecycle, including Integrated Circuits (ICs), chipsets, Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), systems, and IP cores.
- The scheme emphasises indigenous design, IP ownership, and deployment in electronic products.
- Financial Incentives: The scheme offers two major incentives. The Product Design Linked Incentive reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenditure, capped at ₹15 crore per application.
- The Deployment Linked Incentive provides 4–6% of net sales turnover for five years, capped at Rs 30 crore, subject to minimum sales and successful product deployment.
- Design Infrastructure Support: Provided through the ChipIN Centre operated by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
- This includes access to advanced National EDA (Electronic Design Automation) Tool Grid, IP core repositories, MPW prototyping, and post-silicon validation, significantly lowering entry barriers for chip design.
- Key Achievements of DLI: Under the DLI scheme, 24 chip-design projects have been sanctioned across areas such as video surveillance, drone detection, energy meters, microprocessors, satellite communications, and broadband and Internet of Things System on a Chip (IoT SoC).
- The ChipIN Centre has democratised access to chip design infrastructure, supporting about 1 lakh engineers and students across 400 organisations, while the national EDA Grid has seen extensive usage, reflecting strong ecosystem adoption.

Key Institutional Frameworks for Semiconductor Design in India
- Semicon India Programme (SIM): With an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, SIM supports semiconductor and display manufacturing as well as chip design.
- Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) acts as the nodal implementing agency.
- Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme: A national capacity-building initiative across academic institutions to create ~85,000 industry-ready professionals at BTech, MTech, and PhD levels in semiconductor chip design.
- Microprocessor Development Programme: Led by C-DAC, IIT Madras, and IIT Bombay, this programme has delivered open-source, indigenous microprocessors such as VEGA, SHAKTI, and AJIT, advancing technological self-reliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme?
It is a central government scheme implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the Semicon India Programme to promote indigenous semiconductor chip design via incentives and shared infrastructure.
2. Why is the DLI Scheme necessary for India?
Design and IP contribute over half of a chip’s value, up to 50% value addition, and 20–50% of BOM, while fabless firms drive ~30–35% of global sales—making indigenous design critical for competitiveness and security.
3. Who is eligible under the DLI Scheme?
Startups (DPIIT), MSMEs, and domestic companies owned by resident Indian citizens as per FDI norms, enabling participation across enterprise maturity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer? (2008)
(a) Dye laser
(b) Gas laser
(c) Semiconductor laser
(d) Excimer laser
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (2025)
Operation ‘WeedOut’
06-11-2025
Source: PIB
Operation ‘WeedOut’ by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Mumbai Airport seized high-grade hydroponic cannabis smuggled from Bangkok under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- Hydroponic cannabis refers to the process of growing cannabis plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution, rather than soil.
- The operation, code-named “WeedOut,” aims to curb the smuggling of drugs.
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): It is the apex anti-smuggling agency of India, constituted in 1957 under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Ministry of Finance.
- It combats drug trafficking, wildlife and environmental contraband, customs duty evasion, and other international trade frauds.
- DRI enforces the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and over fifty other allied Acts including the Arms Act (1959), NDPS Act (1985), COFEPOSA (1974), Antiquities and Art Treasures Act (1972) etc.
- DRI also runs operations like “Operation Fire Trail,” which targets the illegal import of Chinese fireworks.
- NDPS Act, 1985: It is India’s principal law to control and regulate operations related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- It prohibits the production, possession, sale, purchase, transport, storage, and consumption of narcotic and psychotropic substances, except for medical or scientific purposes under a licence.
India’s First Cooperative Compressed Biogas Plant
06-10-2025
Source: PIB
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugurated India’s first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra.
- The plant will produce 12 tons of CBG daily and 75 tons of potash from jaggery/molasses, reducing imports.
- Compressed Biogas (CBG): It is a renewable fuel produced from biomass and organic waste (agricultural residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, sewage) via anaerobic decomposition (breakdown of organic matter by bacteria in the absence of oxygen).
- Properties: Similar calorific value (amount of energy released on complete combustion) to CNG. CBG can replace CNG in automotive, industrial, and commercial sectors.
- CBG Benefits:
- Eco-Friendly: Cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, supporting India’s target of net zero emissions by 2070.
- Waste Management: Converts organic waste into fuel, reducing pollution and promoting a circular economy.
- Energy Security: Reduces oil imports and increases the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix (currently ~6%, targeted 15% by 2030).
- India’s Initiatives:
- SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) Scheme: Aims to produce CBG by utilizing 62 Million Metric Tonnes of annual waste, thereby reducing import dependence, generating jobs, and lowering vehicular emissions and pollution.
- National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC): Plans to support 15 sugar mills via NCDC for CBG and potash units.
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Feature
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CBG (Compressed Biogas)
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CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)
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Source
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Produced from biomass and organic waste.
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Extracted from fossil fuels (natural gas fields)
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Environmental Impact
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Eco-friendly, reduces air pollution (e.g., stubble burning), utilizes waste, supports circular economy
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Cleaner than petrol/diesel but fossil fuel-based, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions if not captured efficiently.
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Dependence on Imports
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Can be produced domestically from local biomass, reducing import dependence
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Import dependency in the case of natural gas was at 50.8% in FY25, increasing foreign dependence
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Commercial Viability
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Supports rural employment and renewable energy initiatives
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Conventional energy source, limited scope for rural livelihood creation
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Environment Audit Rules, 2025
06-09-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Environment Audit Rules, 2025 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to establish a comprehensive framework for environmental accountability across India.
What are the Key Features of the Environment Audit Rules, 2025?
- Certification and Registration of Environmental Auditors: Environment Auditors (EAs) are to be Certified and Registered by the MoEFCC-notified Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA). EADA is responsible for:
- Certification, registration, and oversight of auditors.
- Monitoring performance and providing training.
- Taking disciplinary action when required.
- Registered Environment Auditors (REAs): Audits will be conducted by Registered Environment Auditors (REAs).
- REAs will be assigned projects randomly to ensure impartiality.
- REAs will undertake activities including sampling, analysis, compensation calculation, and audits under various environmental and forest-related legislations.
- Two-Tiered System of Compliance:
- Tier-1: Government regulators (CPCB, SPCBs, MoEFCC regional offices) will review compliance.
- Tier-2: Audits will be conducted by REAs for third-party verification.
- Oversight and Monitoring: A Steering Committee, led by an Additional Secretary from MoEFCC, will oversee the implementation of these rules.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area? (2012)
- Global warming
- Fragmentation of habitat
- Invasion of alien species
- Promotion of vegetarianism
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
Q2. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways: (2011)
- Soil formation
- Prevention of soil erosion
- Recycling of waste
- Pollination of crops
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (d)
Bioproducts
06-09-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under its BioE3 Policy, is setting up 16 biomanufacturing hubs across India to boost domestic production of bioproducts such as APIs, biofuel enzymes, reagents for biofertilizers.
- These hubs, also known as National Bio-Enablers or Mulankur, are specialized facilities supporting indigenous production of bioproducts and fostering innovation across sectors like health, agriculture, energy, environment, and AI-driven biomanufacturing.
What are Bioproducts?
- About: Bioproducts are fuels, materials, and chemicals derived from renewable biomass such as crops, trees, algae, and agricultural waste.
- Eg: Biofuels (ethanol, biogas), bioplastics, bio-based cosmetics, and plant-derived medicines.
- Types of Bioproducts:

- Production Methods: Generated using fermentation, pyrolysis, enzymatic conversion, or chemical synthesis.
- They are made from soybeans, sugarcane, algae, mycelium, etc., and often use agri-forestry residues, reducing stress on food crops. Eg: Sunflower residue converted into biofuel.
- Significance:
- Reduce fossil fuel dependence and help mitigate air pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
- Promote climate-resilient development through biotechnological innovation.
- Extend beyond laboratories to support sustainability via biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly products, while also generating rural employment and fostering green jobs.
- Biodegradability: Not all bioproducts are biodegradable, it varies by use (e.g., bio-based paint is not biodegradable).

Did You Know?
- Despite being the world’s 3rd largest pharmaceutical producer (volume) and the largest supplier of generic drugs, India relies heavily on imports for key bioproducts.
- Nearly 70% of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are sourced from China, with India being 100% dependent on China for 45 out of 58 critical APIs.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? (2012)
- To enable them to withstand drought
- To increase the nutritive value of the produce
- To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
- To increase their shelf life
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)

AI in Public Service Delivery
06-08-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
India’s first Artificial intelligence (AI) powered Anganwadi was launched in Waddhamna village, Nagpur district, Maharashtra.
- This pilot project is being hailed as a major leap in bridging the rural-urban digital divide in early childhood education, marking a significant advancement in public service delivery.
How can AI Aid in Public Service Delivery?
- Early Child Care: Maharashtra's AI-enabled Anganwadi integrates with the Poshan Tracker to monitor children's nutrition and health in real time.
- Anganwadi workers upload meal photos for instant dietary analysis, enabling predictive alerts on malnutrition risks.
- AI integration facilitates targeted delivery of supplementary nutrition under Integrated Child Development Scheme.
- Children now learn through virtual reality (VR) experiences, interactive stories, and drawing on smart boards.
- Smarter and Inclusive Governance: AI is helping the government move from a one-size-fits-all approach to tailored, real-time service delivery.
- BharatGen, a government-funded multimodal AI model, aims to enhance public service delivery in language, speech, and computer vision, catering to India's diverse population.
- At Mahakumbh 2025, AI tools were used to manage railway passenger flow, optimize crowd dispersal, and power multilingual chatbots, setting a global benchmark in tech-driven mass event management.
- Efficient and Targeted Welfare Delivery: AI models trained on high-quality anonymised datasets (via the IndiaAI Dataset Platform) can analyse patterns in poverty, health, education, etc.
- This helps policymakers identify gaps, predict needs, and deliver targeted benefits.
- Accessibility: Tools like Digital India BHASHINI, Sarvam-1 break language barriers, making services available in multiple Indian languages, and enhancing inclusivity for differently-abled individuals.
- Law Enforcement: AI enables predictive policing, real-time surveillance, and cyber threat detection.
- Delhi Police uses an AI-driven Facial Recognition System (FRS) to solve crimes and find missing persons.
- AI accelerates case research, aids in drafting judgments, and helps reduce backlogs, improving justice delivery and legal efficiency.
- Optimizing Agriculture and Ensuring Food Security: Project Farm Vibes, developed by Microsoft Research and the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, is transforming farming with data-driven insights.
- It uses AI tools to analyze field conditions, optimize irrigation, and provide real-time, localized farming recommendations.
- The project has led to a 40% increase in crop production, reduced water and fertilizer usage, and minimized post-harvest wastage.
- The AI in agriculture market is projected to grow from USD 1.7 billion in 2023 to USD 4.7 billion by 2028, boosting economic sustainability in farming.
- Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Monitoring: AI models support flood prediction, air quality tracking, and climate modelling.
- Platforms like Google DeepMind’s GenCast enable citizens to contribute localized weather data, improving real-time predictions.
- Mission Mausam, which aims to make India “Weather Ready” and “Climate Smart,” uses AI and satellite data from the Indian Meteorological Department and flood monitoring systems to improve disaster preparedness and flood forecasting.
- The Mausam App delivers weather updates and warnings in a user-friendly format.
- Education and Personalized Learning: AI-powered EdTech enables adaptive learning based on student needs. AI integration being explored in the government's Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform.
- In Tripura, IAS officer Chandni Chandran launched an AI-based initiative to tackle a 70% school dropout rate. Students’ career dreams were turned into AI-generated images and displayed on "Aspirational Boards" in classrooms.
- The move has boosted motivation and emotional engagement, with plans to expand it to more schools.
- Strengthening Urban Governance and Smart Cities: AI improves traffic flow, waste management, and public service delivery.Bengaluru’s AI-driven Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) cuts congestion at junctions.
- Improving Financial Governance and Taxation: AI helps detect fraud, prevent subsidy leakages, and automate auditing.
- MuleHunter.ai, developed by RBI, detects mule accounts used in financial scams.
- Better Healthcare: Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in AI for healthcare are developing solutions like disease prediction, which will holistically benefit the health of rural and urban populations across the country.

Conclusion
AI’s integration into India’s public service delivery enhances efficiency, inclusivity, and accessibility, improving governance. Through initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission, India is advancing towards a more transparent, citizen-centric system, positioning itself as a global leader in AI-powered governance.
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Drishti Mains Question:
How is Artificial Intelligence reshaping public service delivery in India? Illustrate with examples.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q. e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features? (2023)
Q. E-Governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information Explain. (2018)
Skill Impact Bonds
06-08-2025
Source: TOI
Why in News?
As India strives for economic growth and inclusive development, innovative models like the Skill Impact Bond (SIB) are emerging to address key challenges in skilling and employment, especially among marginalized communities and women.
What is the Skill Impact Bond (SIB)?
- About: SIB is India’s first Development Impact Bond (DIB), launched in 2021 focused on skills training and job placement.
- It shifts focus from enrollment to outcomes like placement and retention. It uses private-sector funding to address social and development challenges.
- Objective: To skill 50,000 youth, with 60% women, especially from marginalised and rural backgrounds, and ensure at least 30,150 retain jobs for 3+ months.
- Key Highlights of the SIB Report 2025:
- Top States: Jharkhand (27%), UP, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana had highest enrollments.
- Popular Sectors:
- Women: Mainly trained in apparel, with rising numbers in retail, IT-enabled services (ITeS), and BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance)
- Men: Moving from construction to sectors like automotive and telecom.
- Women-Led Skilling: Over 72% of 23,700+ trainees were women from vulnerable backgrounds. Female certification rate reached 92%, and job placement was 81%. Self-employment among women rose from 6% to 14%.
- Better Job Outcomes: 75% of all trainees got jobs, and 60% stayed employed for over 3 months—above national average. Female employment increased from 35% to 48%.
- Gender Pay Gap: Men earned more (Rs 12,400–15,700) than women (Rs 11,500–13,000) despite similar job outcomes.


What is the Status of Skill Development in India?
- Low Employability: As per India Skills Report 2024, only 51.25% of assessed young people in India possessed the necessary skills to be employable.
- Low Formal Training: As per the Economic Survey 2023–24, only 4.4% of youth are formally skilled, and 16.6% are informally trained.
- Skill Gaps in Industry: According to ManpowerGroup's (US-based MNC) 2025 Global Talent Shortage Survey, 75% of global employers are struggling to find skilled workers.
- India has a 60%-73% demand-supply gap in key roles such as ML engineer, data scientist, DevOps engineer, and data architect.
- Underemployment: As per Economic Survey 2024–25, over 50% of graduates and 44% of postgraduates are in low-skill jobs, indicating inefficient workforce utilisation.
- Limited Women Participation: In India, women constitute 40% of STEM students but only 14-27% of STEM professionals, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.
What are the Key Challenges Hindering Skill Development in India?
- Inconsistent Quality & Infrastructure Gaps: Many ITIs, especially in rural areas, lack trained instructors and modern equipment, leading to low training quality and employability.
- Industry Disconnect & Skill Mismatch: Skilling schemes like PMKVY & Skill India focus on syllabus completion over practical relevance.
- Key sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and green energy are often underserved.
- Low Private Sector Role & Rural Exclusion: Limited private sector participation due to red tape, low incentives, and weak academia-industry links.
- Despite Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), skilling remains urban-focused, sidelining the 90% informal workforce. Just 10% of rural workers receive formal skill training (WEF).
Key Skill Development Schemes and Initiatives
What Measures Should be Taken to Reform India’s Skilling Ecosystem?
- Inclusive Rural Skilling: Launch a Rural Skilling and Livelihood Mission focused on agri-tech, food processing, and crafts. Use mobile centers, village hubs, and digital literacy programs.
- Future-Ready & Digital Skilling: Align curriculum with Industry 4.0, green jobs, and digital economy.
- Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) to co-design courses with MSMEs and gig platforms.
- Expand Skill India Digital Hub with AI-based multilingual content and 5G-enabled hubs in Tier-2/3 cities.
- Education Integration & Women’s Skilling: Introduce vocational training from school level under NEP 2020 and link with National Credit Framework.
- Promote women’s skilling in STEM, finance, and gig roles through flexible training, digital access, childcare, grants, and mentorship.
- Monitoring, Soft Skills & Accountability: Use AI-driven dashboards, outcome-based funding, geo-tagging, biometric attendance, and third-party audits to ensure accountability.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the Skill Impact Bond (SIB) initiative in reimagining India’s skilling ecosystem. How does it promote gender empowerment and innovation in outcome-based financing?
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: (2018)
- It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, and financial and digital literacy.
- It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (2016)
Q: “Earn while you learn" scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment (2021)
Jhodia Community and Soura Language
06-02-2026
Source: PIB
Recently, Odisha’s proposal to include the Jhodia community in the Schedule Tribe list and the demand for Soura language inclusion came into focus after the Centre informed the Lok Sabha that the proposal was not supported by the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI) and was referred back to the State.
Jhodia Community
- The Jhodia (Jhodia Paraja) community, mainly residing in Koraput, Rayagada and parts of Kalahandi districts of Odisha, was earlier recognised as a synonym of the Paroja tribe and received Scheduled Tribe benefits until 1997.
- The community is socially and economically backward, living in geographically isolated areas, with livelihoods largely dependent on subsistence agriculture and forest produce, and facing significant educational and economic deprivation.
Soura (Sora) Language
- The Soura (Saora) language, spoken by the Saora tribe, belongs to the Austroasiatic (Munda) language family and is also known as Sora, Savara, or Saura.
- It has a distinct script, Sorang Sompeng, developed in 1936 by Mangei Gomango, which holds cultural and religious significance.
- The language is not included in the Eighth Schedule, which limits its official recognition, institutional support and preservation efforts.
- The Government has clarified that there are no fixed criteria or timeline for inclusion of languages, as earlier attempts to frame such criteria by the Pahwa (1996) and Sitakant Mohapatra (2003) Committees remained inconclusive.
Defence in Union Budget 2026–27
06-02-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Budget 2026–27 has drawn sharp attention for giving the highest-ever allocation of Rs 7.85 lakh crore to the defence sector, signalling India’s strategic focus on military modernisation, indigenous manufacturing and veterans’ welfare.
- The budget comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, which tested India’s combat readiness in real conditions, and places national security at the centre of India’s long-term vision of self-reliance.
Summary
- The Union Budget 2026–27 strengthens India’s defence preparedness by prioritising modernisation, indigenous manufacturing, defence R&D and veterans’ welfare, building on operational lessons from recent military engagements.
- However, structural challenges such as high revenue expenditure, slow procurement processes, import dependence and a demanding two-front threat continue to limit the transformative impact of higher defence allocations.
How does the Union Budget 2026–27 Advance Defence Modernisation and Self-reliance?
- Modernisation Push: The Union Budget 2026–27 places strong emphasis on defence modernisation, with capital allocation to the Defence Forces crossing Rs 2.19 lakh crore.
- A major share is directed towards capital acquisition, enabling induction of next-generation aircraft, advanced weapons, naval platforms, submarines and unmanned systems.
- Enhanced funding for the Border Roads Organisation strengthens strategic infrastructure such as tunnels, bridges and airfields.
- Investment in optical fibre–based defence communication networks supports network-centric and joint operations, reflecting a shift towards a technology-driven military.
- Boosting Indigenous Defence Manufacturing: The Union Budget 2026–27 gives a strong push to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence by prioritising indigenous manufacturing and reducing import dependence.
- Rs 1.39 lakh crore has been earmarked for procurement from domestic defence industries, with about three-fourths of the capital acquisition budget reserved for Indian manufacturers.
- Customs duty exemptions on imported raw materials for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul further strengthen domestic capabilities.
- Together, these measures aim to deepen the defence industrial ecosystem, attract investment and generate skilled employment.
- Research, Development and Innovation: The Union Budget 2026–27 strengthens defence research, development and innovation by raising the allocation to the Defence Research and Development Organisation by about 8.5% over the previous year.
- A dominant share of this increase is directed towards capital expenditure, underscoring a focus on capability creation rather than routine spending.
- The budget also deepens collaborative R&D by opening a significant portion of defence research funding to industry, start-ups and academia, expanding Centres of Excellence, and accelerating technology transfers.
- Enhanced Healthcare and Pension Support for Veterans: The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has received Rs 12,100 crore, reflecting a 45.49% increase over the previous year to support medical treatment for ex-servicemen and their dependents.
India’s Initiatives Related to Defence Indigenisation
What are the Key Challenges in India’s Defence Modernisation Despite Higher Allocations?
- Revenue Expenditure: The most significant constraint on modernisation is the high "Revenue" expenditure (salaries and pensions).
- Salaries and pension account for 50% of the estimated spending on defence in 2025-26. Consequently, the share of the budget available for Capital Outlay (modernisation) has remained below 30% in recent years, limiting modernisations.
- Declining Expenditure Relative: The total defence allocation over the years remains at approximately 2% of GDP.
- This falls significantly short of the 3% of GDP benchmark recommended by the Standing Committee on Defence (2018) to achieve meaningful modernization, signaling a potential lack of fiscal resolve to adversaries.
- Currency Depreciation: Since most defence purchases are transacted in dollars, the depreciation of the Rupee significantly reduces the actual buying power of the allocated funds.
- Committed Liabilities: A significant portion of the capital budget goes toward "committed liabilities" (payments for contracts signed in previous years). Shortages here can lead to defaults on contractual obligations.
- Import Dependence: India is the 2nd-largest arms importer, after Ukraine, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report.
- A significant amount of modernisation expenditure goes to foreign sources. Dependence on foreign suppliers creates vulnerability during emergencies/wars.
- While the push for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) is strong, the creation of "negative lists" (banning specific imports) has often blocked foreign options before domestic alternatives are fully mature, creating immediate capability gaps.
- Domestic Quality Issues: In 2022, the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) has flagged quality issues with Ordnance Factories (accidents due to faulty ammunition) and delays in 119 out of 178 DRDO projects.
- Critical Equipment Shortages: The financial and procedural delays have led to tangible gaps in operational readiness.
- In the Army, only 15% of equipment is "new generation" (target is 30%). There are reported shortages of basic gear like snow goggles and boots for high-altitude troops.
- In the Air Force, the authorized strength is 42 fighter squadrons, but currently, there are only 31 active squadrons. The phasing out of aging MiG fleets without immediate replacements threatens air superiority.
- Disparity in Spending Power: China’s defence spending is much higher than India’s, giving it greater technological and military depth.
- Although India outspends Pakistan, preparing for a two-front conflict forces India to spread its resources across land and maritime theatres, stretching its overall defence capacity.
- DAP 2020 Struggles: The Project 75(I) deal took nearly 6 years after the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 to reach the contract stage (20 years total cycle), which is considered "functionally obsolete" in the age of AI warfare.
What Measures are Needed to Strengthen India's Defence Preparedness?
- Financial Restructuring: Operationalise the "Modernisation Fund for Defence and Internal Security" (recommended by the 15th Finance Commission).
- This non-lapsable fund would allow the Ministry to carry forward unspent capital budget, ensuring that committed liabilities for large contracts (like submarines or jets) are met without relying on fresh annual allocations.
- Incentivizing Private Sector R&D: Shift from a "buyer-seller" relationship to a "co-development" model with the private sector.
- The government must fund private sector R&D prototypes (under the 'Make-I' category) aggressively.
- This shift reduces dependence on DRDO’s monopolistic timelines, fosters a competitive private industrial base, and aligns with India’s defence export momentum (exports reached Rs 210 billion in 2023–24, with a Rs 500 billion target by 2028–29).
- Accelerating Procurement (Revamping DAP): Building on the Ministry of Defence declaration of 2025 as the Year of Reforms, defence acquisition must be streamlined to accelerate modernisation and strengthen self-reliance.
- This requires reducing bureaucratic layers in the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) process and enabling fast-track, over-the-counter purchases for urgent capability gaps when indigenous platforms face delays, so operational readiness is not compromised.
- Theaterisation: Expedite the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands. This will ensure better resource utilization, jointness in operations, and a unified approach to threats from China and Pakistan.
- Realistic Indigenisation: A balanced approach is needed where import bans are synchronized strictly with the actual production timelines of domestic industries. If a domestic project (e.g., a light tank or drone) fails quality tests, interim emergency procurement powers must be exercised without hesitation to maintain operational readiness.
Conclusion
The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a decisive shift towards building a modern, self-reliant and innovation-driven defence ecosystem. With sustained investments in indigenous manufacturing, research and strategic infrastructure, alongside strong support for veterans, the budget aligns defence preparedness with India’s long-term development goals and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the structural constraints limiting India’s defence modernisation despite increased capital expenditure.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the Union Budget 2026–27 significant for the defence sector?
It provides the highest-ever defence allocation, focusing on modernisation, indigenous manufacturing and veterans’ welfare after recent operational experience.
2. How does the budget promote defence modernisation?
By increasing capital allocation for advanced platforms, strategic infrastructure and network-centric warfare capabilities.
3. What measures support Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence?
Priority to domestic procurement, reservation of capital acquisitions for Indian firms, and incentives for defence manufacturing and MRO activities.
4. What are the key challenges in defence modernisation?
High revenue expenditure, slow procurement cycles, import dependence, currency depreciation and persistent capability gaps.
5. Why is Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 criticised?
Due to prolonged procurement timelines, delays in strategic projects and inability to keep pace with rapid technological changes.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run? (2014)
Q. “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. (2016)
Q. The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions. (2016)
Govt Lifts Import Curbs on Low Ash Metallurgical Coke
06-01-2026
Source:BL
India has withdrawn import restrictions on low ash metallurgical coke (ash content below 18%) after imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty, balancing trade protection with assured raw material availability for the steel sector.
- Earlier, in December 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had extended import restrictions on low ash metallurgical coke from 1st January to 30th June 2026 due to the absence of anti-dumping duty.
- However, after the Ministry of Finance approved the imposition of anti-dumping duty, the rationale for restrictions ceased, leading DGFT to remove the quantitative import curbs.
- India has imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty ranging from USD 60 to USD 130 per tonne on low ash metallurgical coke imports.
- Anti-dumping Duty: It is a trade remedial measure imposed on imports sold below their normal value when such dumping causes material injury to domestic producers, aimed at restoring fair competition rather than restricting import quantities.
- Metallurgical coke (met coke): It is a high-carbon, low-impurity fuel obtained from coking coal, used as a key input in blast furnace steelmaking, and produced by heating coal in the absence of air (destructive distillation) in coke ovens.
- It acts as both a fuel and a reducing agent in blast furnaces, helping convert iron ore into molten iron.
- Low ash and ultra-low phosphorous variants are especially important for high-grade steel manufacturing.
- India has large proven coking coal reserves (16.5 billion tonnes of medium-quality and 5.13 billion tonnes of prime-quality coal), yet imports nearly 85% of its coking coal because much of the domestic coal is not suitable for metallurgical use, leaving the steel sector and overall economic stability vulnerable to external supply shocks.
Rabies as Notifiable Disease
06-01-2026
Source: IE
The Delhi government has decided to declare human rabies a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, aiming to achieve zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.
Notifiable Disease
- About: Notifiable diseases are those legally mandated to be reported to public health authorities under laws like the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. The primary framework for surveillance is the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), managed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
- Implications of Notification: Once a disease is declared notifiable, all healthcare providers (public and private), hospitals, and medical practitioners are legally obligated to report suspected, probable, and confirmed cases to designated authorities, ensuring comprehensive data collection.
- Commonly Notified Diseases: While lists vary state wise, diseases commonly declared notifiable across many states include Tuberculosis, Dengue, Malaria, Cholera, Hepatitis, Measles, Leptospirosis, and Polio. Covid-19 was universally declared notifiable during the pandemic.
- Recent examples of newly notified diseases include snakebite in 2024 and human rabies in 2025.
- Decentralized and Non-Uniform System: India lacks a single, uniform national list of notifiable diseases. The authority to declare a disease notifiable rests primarily with state/UT (with legislative assembly) governments, leading to variations in the list of diseases across different states and union territories.
- Global Commitment: The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) under the World Health Organization (WHO) are a legally binding international law that require memeber countries to inform the WHO about public health risks or events that may have international health implications, irrespective of their origin or source.

Rising Household Debt in India
05-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notes that since 2019-20, Indian households have been taking on financial debt far more quickly than they are building financial assets.
- The trend reflects evolving savings behavior, especially with mutual funds gaining traction, and raises concerns about household financial health and macroeconomic stability.
What are the Trends in India’s Household Financial Health?
- Debt Outpacing Asset Creation: Household financial liabilities grew 102% between 2019-20 and 2024-25, compared with a 48% rise in assets.
- Borrowing is expanding almost twice as fast as saving, reflecting higher credit dependence.
- Weaker Savings Relative to GDP: Fresh financial assets fell from 12% of GDP (2019-20) to 10.8% (2024-25).
- Liabilities as a share of GDP increased from 3.9% to 4.7%, peaking at 6.2% in 2023-24 before easing.
- The divergence highlights weaker household balance sheets and reduced capacity to absorb shocks.
- Deposits Remain Dominant: Deposits in commercial banks made up 32% of total household financial assets added in 2019-20, which grew marginally to 33.3% by 2024-25.
- This shows households are adding other investment options like mutual funds while still keeping bank deposits as their main choice.
- Other avenues like life insurance, provident and pension funds, equity, and small savings kept a largely stable share between 2019-20 and 2024-25.
- Rise of Mutual Fund Investment: Mutual funds jumped from 2.6% in 2019-20 to 13.1% by 2024-25.
- This shift reflects growing risk appetite, better access, and a search for higher returns as financial literacy improves.
- Shift away from Cash: Currency share in new assets dropped from 11.7% in 2019-20 to 5.9% in 2024-25.
- It suggests a broader move toward financial instruments and greater digital adoption.
What are the Implications of Rising Household Debt?
- Economic Implications: Rising household debt boosts growth in the short run but drags the growth 3–5 years later.
- An International Monetary Fund (IMF) study found that a 5% point increase in the ratio of household debt to GDP over a three-year period is associated with a 1.25% point decline in real GDP growth three years later with higher unemployment.
- High share of consumption borrowing limits long-term wealth creation and productive capital formation.
- Financial Sector Implications: According to the SBI report, the debt level stands at about 42% of GDP, lower than the 49.1% average among emerging market economies (EMEs).
- This is supported by healthier credit behaviour, with nearly two-thirds of household loans rated prime or above-prime, indicating contained credit risk. However, rising unsecured consumption loans raise vulnerability.
- According to the IMF, a 1-percentage-point rise in household debt-to-GDP increases the probability of a future banking crisis by around 1 percentage point.
- Household-Level Implications: According to the Financial Stability Report (FSR) 2024 by the RBI, rising debt alongside falling household assets suggests more borrowing is being used for consumption rather than asset creation, a worrying shift.
- Increasing consumption-driven borrowing, especially among low-income groups, reduces the income multiplier effect since more income goes to debt repayment instead of spending.
- A high share of unsecured loans among poorer households pushes them toward financial marginalisation and long-term instability.
- Macroeconomic Stability Implications: High indebtedness increases sensitivity to inflation and interest-rate shocks.
- In downturns, indebted households may sharply cut spending, amplifying macroeconomic volatility..
- If defaults increase, housing loans and other secured assets may slip into Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) transmitting stress to the banking system.
What are the Challenges in Household Asset Creation in India?
- Low and Unstable Incomes: Slow wage growth and income insecurity, especially in the informal sector (80–85% of workers are employed informally), limit regular saving.
- High Cost of Living: Rising expenses on essentials, healthcare, and education reduce money available for long-term investments.
- High dependence on Borrowing: Increasing use of loans for consumption leaves less room to build assets.
- Weak financial Literacy: Limited understanding of savings products, risk, and long-term planning restricts participation in financial markets.
- Behavioural factors: Aspirational spending and low willingness to take calculated investment risks hinder steady asset creation.
- Rural–Urban Disparity: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data shows rural households spend a larger share of income on essentials, leaving less for investment compared to urban families, widening asset inequality.

What Steps can be Taken to Strengthen Household Asset Creation and Manage Debt Risks?
- Expand Financial Literacy Access: Expand financial literacy through National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) under the National Strategy for Financial Education, RBI, and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), integrate basic financial planning into education and skilling.
- Promote low-cost fintech advisory and simplified savings products to help small households build diversified portfolios.
- Strengthen Social Security Coverage: Broaden social security for informal workers through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) and PM-SVANidhi, and promote automatic enrolment in pension and insurance plans to strengthen safety nets and cut emergency borrowing.
- Promote long-term savings instruments: Promote wider use of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB), and Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), and systematic investment plan (SIPs) to build long-term wealth.
- Borrowing for Asset Creation: Incentivise credit for housing, education, and small business over unsecured consumption loans. Expand credit guarantee frameworks to reduce informal borrowing.
- Macroprudential Monitoring: RBI should closely monitor household leverage trends for signs of systemic risk. Create early warning systems for excessive credit accumulation.
- Enhance Income Stability: Support labour-intensive sectors, MSMEs, and skilling initiatives to boost steady earnings and improve saving capacity.
Conclusion
Household debt is rising much faster than asset creation, with more borrowing going toward consumption than wealth building. Strengthening savings habits, social security, and productive credit use will be key to maintaining household and economic stability.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the impact of consumption-led borrowing on the income multiplier and inclusive growth. What targeted reforms can raise asset creation among low-income households?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are mutual funds?
A mutual fund pools money from many investors and invests it in stocks, bonds, or other securities to earn returns; they are professionally managed and market-linked.
2. What is the household debt-to-GDP ratio?
It measures household debt as a share of the country’s GDP; for India, it is about 42–43%, lower than the 49% average for emerging market economies.
3. What is the main trend in Indian household finance?
Debt is rising much faster than asset creation, with household liabilities growing about 102% compared to a 48% rise in assets between 2019-20 and 2024-25.
4. Why is rising unsecured borrowing a concern?
Many borrowers with personal/credit-card loans also have home/vehicle loans; default in one loan can turn all exposure into NPAs, increasing financial stress.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question
Prelims
Q. In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because (2019)
(a) poverty rates vary from State to State
(b) price levels vary from State to State
(c) Gross State Product varies from State to State
(d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State
Ans: (b)
Q. As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households”, consider the following statements: (2018)
- Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agricultural households among its rural households.
- Out of the total agricultural households in the country, a little over 60 percent belong to OBCs.
- In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agricultural households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. Among several factors for India’s potential growth, the savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? (2017)
Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
05-09-2025
Source: BS
Why in News?
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 came into effect on 1st September 2025, consolidating India’s immigration laws, imposing stricter penalties for forged documents, and strengthening reporting and monitoring of foreigners.
- It repeals four outdated laws: the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
What are the Key Provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025?
- Tougher Penalties for Forged Travel Documents: 2–7 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1–10 lakh for using or supplying forged passports, visas, or other travel documents.
- Up to 5 years imprisonment or Rs 5 lakh fine for foreigners entering restricted areas without valid authorization.
- Mandatory Reporting of Foreigners’ Details: Hotels, universities, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes must report information about foreign nationals staying or visiting.
- International airlines and shipping companies are required to share advance passenger and crew data before arrival.
- Government Control Over Premises: Central government empowered to regulate or shut down premises frequently visited by foreigners if deemed necessary for security reasons.
- Bureau of Immigration: It grants statutory backing to the Bureau of Immigration (established in 1971 under the Intelligence Bureau) to identify, detain, and deport illegal foreigners.
Did You Know?
- US: Launched “Catch and Revoke” using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to identify and revoke visas of individuals linked to terrorist groups.
- Australia: Allows detention of non-citizens considered a security risk but prohibits indefinite detention of stateless persons unless deportation is possible.
- Gulf Countries: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait have deported thousands of migrant workers on security grounds, often with limited avenues of appeal.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana
05-08-2025
The Union Cabinet has approved a total outlay of ₹6,520 crore for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26). This includes an additional ₹1,920 crore for enhancing food processing infrastructure and safety measures.
- Key Approvals:
- 50 Multi-product Food Irradiation Units under Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI).
- 100 NABL-accredited Food Testing Labs (FTLs) under Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI).
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana:
- It is a composite scheme designed to create modern infrastructure for efficient farm-to-retail supply chain management.
- Major Components:
- Mega Food Parks
- Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI)
- Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters
- Creation of Backward & Forward Linkages
- Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities
- Food Safety & Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI)
- Human Resource Development & Institutions
Matri Van Initiative
05-08-2025
The ‘Matri Van’, a large-scale urban afforestation initiative under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, was launched as part of Van Mahotsav 2025 in Gurugram, Haryana.
- About: A theme-based urban forest project spread over 750 acres in the Aravalli hill region along the Gurugram-Faridabad Road, Haryana.
- Objective: To promote biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, public health, and urban sustainability in NCR.
- Key Features:
- Ecological & Community Focus: Restoration through removal of invasive species (e.g., Prosopis juliflora), plantation of native trees, and public participation to promote sustainability and health.
- Thematic Groves & Eco-Infrastructure: Includes Bodhi Vatika, Bamboosetum, etc., along with nature trails, cycle tracks, yoga zones, treated water irrigation, waterbodies, and flood-control measures.
- Significance: Supports Aravalli ecosystem restoration, combats urban heat islands, reduces air pollution, and acts as the “Heart and Lung” of Delhi-NCR.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign
- Launched on 5th June 2024 (World Environment Day) by the Prime Minister, it promotes tree plantation in mothers’ names, combining environmental conservation with a tribute to motherhood.
Aravalli Green Wall Project
- Aims to develop a 1,400 km long, 5 km wide green belt across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, inspired by the Great Green Wall Project (2007), to combat desertification and enhance ecological resilience.
Parliamentary Panel Highlights Funding Cuts to Rural Bodies
05-08-2025
Why in News?
The Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has flagged the “steady decline in the allocation of funds to Panchayati Raj Institutions” and urged the Centre to take “urgent steps” to ensure that adequate, untied, and performance-linked funds are allocated to rural local bodies.
What are the Sources of Funds for Rural Local Bodies?
- Own Source Revenue (OSR): Rural local bodies generate funds independently through taxes (e.g., property tax, vehicle tax), non-tax revenues (e.g., fees for licensing, water supply), and other sources (e.g., penalties, user charges).
- Shared/Assigned Revenue: Revenues collected by higher levels of government (state or central) and shared with or assigned to rural local bodies include local cess and surcharges, shared entertainment tax, and share of mining royalties or lease proceeds from social forestry.
- Central Finance Commission Grants: The majority of Panchayat funds come from the central government, as recommended by the Finance Commission, including untied and tied grants.
- State Government Grants: State Finance Commissions recommend and state governments provide grants-in-aid and devolved funds to local bodies, on the basis of population, geographic area, and other criteria.
- Funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes and State Schemes: These funds are routed through panchayats for the implementation of schemes such as MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), PMAY-G (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin), Swachh Bharat Mission, NRLM, and others.
- Special Grants: Under MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), MLA/MLC Local Area Development Schemes, Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF), etc.
What are the Issues Related to Funding of Rural Local Bodies?
- Decline in PRI fund Allocation: The parliamentary committee highlighted that consistent reduction in funds allocated to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) hampers fiscal decentralization and limits their ability to meet constitutional duties.
- State Finance Commission (SFC) Constitution: The parlimentary committee emphasizes the need for states to timely constitute SFCs to ensure the proper flow of central grants, as delays in implementation, along with centralized GST and limited fiscal autonomy, hinder Panchayats' financial control.
- The committee noted that only 25 states have set up SFCs, and only nine constituted the 6th SFC.
- Also, the committee highlighted that while Punjab and Tamil Nadu have demonstrated strong compliance with SFCs, states like Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Telangana face delays in ATRs (action taken reports) submission.
- Inability to Address Local Needs: The committee highlighted that the reduction in untied and scheme-based transfers hampers PRIs' capacity to meet local development needs, impacting services, infrastructure, and social welfare.
- The 2024 Devolution to Panchayats in States Report also highlights that inconsistent transfer of 29 subjects (11th Schedule) due to state governments' fear of losing control limits Panchayats' decision-making authority.
- Institutional Flaws: Further, the 2024 Devolution to Panchayats in States Report highlighted concerns that rotating reserved seats for SCs, STs, and women disrupts leadership continuity, as new leaders bring different priorities and approaches.
Status of PRI Funding (Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States Report 2024)
- Revenue Composition: PRIs generate only 1% of revenue through taxes, indicating limited self-financing capacity.
- Around 95% of PRI revenues come from grants provided by the Central and State governments.
- Revenue Per Panchayat: Each Panchayat earns Rs 21,000 from own taxes and Rs 73,000 from non-tax sources.
- Central grants average Rs 17 lakh, and State grants are around Rs 3.25 lakh per Panchayat, showing high reliance on external support.
- Low Revenue Expenditure: The ratio of revenue expenditure of panchayats to nominal GSDP is less than 0.6% for all the states ranging from 0.001% in Bihar to 0.56% in Odisha.
- Inter-State Disparities: Kerala and West Bengal have the highest average revenue (over Rs 60 lakh and Rs 57 lakh), while states like Andhra Pradesh and Punjab report much lower revenues (less than Rs 6 lakh).
What are the Steps Needed to Improve Funding of Rural Local Bodies?
- Performance-Linked Resources: The parliamentary committee report urges allocating sufficient, untied, performance-linked resources to PRIs, ensuring fund protection and promoting transparency.
- Panchayats should enhance revenue through local taxes, with state support for better tax collection.
- Fund Allocation: The parliamentary committee report recommends that the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Fifteenth Finance Commission, must urgently address the reduction in fund allocation, ensuring consistent, untied, and performance-linked financial support for PRIs.
- Regular fiscal transfers, aligned with states' capacity to finance Panchayats, are crucial for sustainable local governance, as opposed to ad-hoc grants, to ensure long-term growth and equalization across regions.
- State Finance Commissions (SFCs): The committee report recommends that the Panchayati Raj Ministry should encourage state governments to establish State Finance Commissions (SFCs) consistently to ensure timely devolution of funds and prevent delays in central grants distribution.
- States must improve adherence to SFC constitution and reporting requirements, ensuring regular submission of reports and Action Taken Reports (ATRs), with full implementation of recommendations to guarantee consistent Panchayat funding.
- Ensuring Transparency: The 2024 Devolution to Panchayats in States Report recommends that mechanisms should be established to safeguard PRI funds from diversion, promote transparency in fiscal transfers between government tiers, and ensure financial accountability through regular audits, RTI disclosures, and robust procurement procedures.
- Digital Infrastructure: The 2024 Devolution to Panchayats in States Report recommends that panchayats should serve as hubs for public services, improving access to government schemes, while enhancing digital infrastructure for better governance and transparency.
Conclusion
To ensure the effective functioning of PRIs, it is essential to prioritize timely devolution of funds, enhance revenue generation at the local level, and strengthen institutional mechanisms for transparency and accountability, while promoting sustainable governance practices and empowering rural bodies for long-term growth.
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Drishti Mains Question
Q. Discuss the implications of reduced funding to rural bodies on rural development. What measures can be taken to mitigate its effects?
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in (2017)
(a) Federalism (b) Democratic decentralisation (c) Administrative delegation (d) Direct democracy
Ans: (b)
Q. The fundamental object of the Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? (2015)
- People’s participation in development
- Political accountability
- Democratic decentralization
- Financial mobilization
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q1. To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (2022)
Q2. Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources can the Panchayats look out for financing developmental projects? (2018)
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NITI Aayog Report on Chemical Industry
05-07-2025
For Prelims: NITI Aayog, Global Value Chains, Chemical Industry, Viability Gap Funding (VGF), Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), PLI Scheme, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Anti-dumping, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), MSME.
For Mains: Status and challenges associated with the chemical industry in India, NITI Aayog proposed policy interventions to promote chemical industry.
Source: PIB
Why in News?
NITI Aayog released its report titled ‘Chemical Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains’, outlining an ambitious roadmap for India to become a global chemical manufacturing powerhouse.
- The report envisions India achieving a 12% share in global chemical value chains (GVC) and a USD 1 trillion output by 2040.
What is the Status of the Chemical Industry in India?
- Global Standing: India ranks as the 6th largest chemical producer globally, contributing over 7% to the manufacturing GDP.
- The chemical sector supports critical industries such as pharma, textiles, agriculture, and construction.
- Feedstock Utilization: India shows over-concentration in bulk chemical production, with 87% of benzene used for alkylbenzene, chlorobenzene, and cumene, unlike the global trend where only 25% is used similarly and more goes to complex derivatives.
- Low Share in Global Value Chains (GVC): India holds only a 3.5% share in global chemical value chains, with a USD 31 billion trade deficit (2023).
- The sector remains fragmented, dominated by MSMEs, with growth concentrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
- Skill and Innovation Gaps: There is a 30% shortage of skilled professionals, especially in green chemistry, nanotechnology, and process safety.
- R&D investment is just 0.7% of industry revenue, well below the global average of 2.3%, limiting innovation in high-value and sustainable chemicals.
- Import Dependence: The sector is heavily import-dependent, sourcing over 60% of critical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from China, and other feedstocks from Gulf countries.
- Regulatory Bottlenecks: clearances and regulatory delays add to operational costs, with delays of up to 12-18 months for approvals.
What are the Opportunities in India’s Chemical Industry?
- Rising Domestic Demand: India’s consumer and industrial growth is fueling demand in agrochemicals (4th-largest producer), pharmaceuticals (3rd-largest drug producer), and construction & automotive (paints, adhesives, polymers).
- Refinery expansions (e.g., Reliance, Nayara, BPCL) will further boost petrochemical production.
- Job Creation: The sector is expected to generate 7 lakh skilled jobs by 2030, particularly in areas such as petrochemicals, research, and logistics.
- Global Supply Chain Shift: India can capture the shifting global chemical trade from China, especially in dyes & pigments, surfactants, textile chemicals, and electronic chemicals used in semiconductor and EV battery manufacturing.
- Green & Sustainable Chemicals: The global shift toward bio-based and green chemicals is creating demand for bio-plastics, and bio-lubricants where India’s sugar and biomass resources can support the production of bio-based chemicals.
What are the Proposed Policy Interventions by NITI Aayog to Promote Chemical Industry?
- World-Class Chemicals Hubs: Establish hubs by forming an Empowered Committee with a dedicated Chemical Fund for shared infrastructure and Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
- Port Infrastructure: Set up a Chemical Committee for ports and develop 8 high-potential chemical clusters near ports to enhance logistics and export capabilities.
- OPEX Subsidy Scheme: Introduce an OPEX Subsidy Scheme to incentivize incremental production based on import reduction, export potential, single-source dependency, and end-market criticality.
- Develop & Access Technologies: Promote self-sufficiency and innovation by disbursing R&D funds for industry-academia collaboration via DCPC and partnering with MNCs to bridge technological gaps.
- Fast-Track Environmental Clearances: Simplify and expedite Environmental Clearances (EC) through an audit committee under DPIIT to ensure compliance.
- Secure FTAs: Pursue targeted FTAs with tariff quotas and duty exemptions on critical raw materials and feedstocks; improve FTA awareness, origin proof procedures, and export competitiveness.
- Talent & Skill Upgradation: Expand ITIs and specialized training institutes to meet the growing demand for skilled labor, and strengthen industry-academia partnerships for courses in petrochemicals, polymer science, and industrial safety.

India’s Initiatives to Support the Chemical Industry
- Production linked incentive (PLI) Scheme: PLI Scheme for Promotion of Domestic Manufacturing of Critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates and APIs aims to boost domestic production by encouraging the establishment of Greenfield plants.
- PCPIR: The Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) set up at Paradip has attracted investments worth USD 8.84 billion, resulting in employment of about 40,000 people.
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras: The Government aims to open 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras to ensure affordable access to medicines.
What Steps are Needed to Strengthen the Chemical Industry?
- Global Integration: Sign Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) to align Indian chemical standards with global norms, and establish a dedicated chemical export promotion council for market access and brand building.
- Strengthen Safety Standards: Enforce strict safety norms and implement real-time monitoring systems in chemical clusters to enhance safety and compliance.
- Promote green and sustainable chemistry through waste recycling, low-emission processes, and incentivize adoption of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) and clean production technologies.
- Financial & Investment Support: Ease access to capital by offering lower interest loans to MSME chemical manufacturers and promoting venture capital funding for specialty chemical startups, while ensuring risk mitigation through subsidized insurance.
- Skill Development: Upskill the workforce through industry-aligned chemical engineering courses focusing on process safety and green technology.
- Enhance safety protocols by mandating Process Safety Management (PSM) audits and enforcing the Chemical Accidents Rules, 1996 more strictly.
Conclusion
India’s chemical industry, a GDP growth driver, aims to become a global manufacturing hub by 2030 through policy interventions like chemical hubs, OPEX subsidies, FTAs, and an R&D push. Overcoming import dependency, regulatory hurdles, and sustainability challenges requires global integration, safety enforcement, green chemistry, and skill development to achieve USD 1 trillion market potential.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the status, challenges, and policy measures required to make India a global leader in the chemical industry.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. In India, ‘extend producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? (2019)
(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Ans: (c)
Plastic Waste a Public Health Threat
05-07-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
Studies have found alarming levels of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in human tissues. India, as the world’s top plastic waste generator, faces a growing public health crisis linked to fertility issues, cancers, and chronic diseases.
How are Microplastics and EDC in Plastics Affecting Human Health?
- Microplastics: Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, formed either intentionally (primary) or through the breakdown of larger plastics (secondary).
- Primary microplastics include microbeads in cosmetics and fibres from textiles.
- Secondary microplastics result from the degradation of plastic waste due to sunlight and ocean waves.
- Microplastics are biologically active and have been found in blood, lungs, heart, placenta, breast milk, ovarian follicular fluid, and semen.
- Affect:
- Men: Linked to lower sperm count, motility, abnormal morphology, and hormonal imbalance.
- Women: Associated with poor egg quality, menstrual issues, miscarriage risk, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis.
- Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals: EDCs are natural or human-made chemicals that may mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormones, which are part of the endocrine system.
- Plastics often carry EDCs like Bisphenol A (BPA) (in water bottles, food containers), phthalates such as DEHP and DBP (in cosmetics, toys, IV tubes), and PFAS (in food packaging, non-stick cookware).
- Affect: These chemicals mimic or block hormones like estrogen and testosterone, disrupting reproductive health and metabolic functions.
- Plastic additives like DEHP, BPA, and phthalates are classified as probable carcinogens.
- EDCs also contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, thyroid disorders, and metabolic syndrome by mimicking cortisol and disrupting insulin response.
What are the Concerns with Plastic Pollution in India?
- Massive and Mismanaged Plastic Waste Generation: India contributes 9.3 million tonnes of plastic pollution annually (burning 5.8 mt and releasing 3.5 mt into the environment) making it the world’s largest polluter, surpassing Nigeria, Indonesia, and China, according to a 2024 Nature study.
- Environmental and Health Hazards: Open burning, a common disposal method, emits toxic pollutants that degrade air quality and harm respiratory health.
- Plastic debris clogs rivers and drains, worsening urban flooding and threatening aquatic biodiversity.
- Single-use plastics persist for centuries, polluting land and oceans and harming marine life. Cities like Mumbai see high microplastic exposure, while phthalate levels in drinking water exceed safe limits in Delhi, Jabalpur, and Chennai.
- Children in polluted areas face increased risks of early puberty, learning issues, and obesity due to EDCs.
- Economic and Agricultural Impact: India could lose USD 133 billion in plastic packaging value by 2030 if waste continues to go uncollected.
- Microplastics in soil from plastic use in agriculture and poor wastewater treatment are degrading soil fertility and threatening food safety.
- The e-commerce boom has escalated plastic packaging waste, most of which is non-recyclable.
- Weak Infrastructure and Regulatory Oversight: Insufficient sanitary landfills, poor segregation at source, and a lack of advanced recycling technology hinder effective waste processing.
- Data and Policy Gaps: Official collection rates (95%) are overstated; real rates are closer to 81%, hampering effective planning.
- Global North-South Divide: Despite lower per capita plastic use (0.12 kg/day), India’s poor disposal systems result in more environmental leakage compared to high-income countries with better infrastructure.
India’s Initiatives Related to Plastic Waste Management

How Can India Combat the Growing Threat of Plastics?
- Microplastic Filtration Systems: Invest in advanced water treatment technologies to filter microplastics to reduce plastic contamination in the environment and the food chain.
- The National Plastic Waste Reporting Portal will help track and monitor waste more effectively.
- Behavioural Change and Public Awareness: Launch national campaigns under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 and Mission LiFE to educate citizens about plastic hazards and encourage plastic-free lifestyles.
- Integrate environmental education in school curricula and promote reduce-reuse-recycle values from an early age.
- Encourage use of eco-friendly alternatives (glass, cloth, jute, biodegradable polymers).
- Biomonitoring and Public Health Surveillance: Establish national biomonitoring programs to assess the levels of EDCs in blood, urine, and breast milk, and fund longitudinal studies to track health outcomes such as fertility issues, metabolic diseases, and cancer.
- Regular surveillance of plastic pollution and its effects on public health should be implemented to inform policymaking.
- Fiscal Measures and Economic Incentives: Increase eco-taxes or cess on virgin plastic production and packaging to limit production.
- Provide subsidies and tax benefits for industries investing in eco-friendly packaging and plastic alternatives.
- Stronger Regulation and Enforcement: India must move beyond end-of-pipe waste solutions by revising the Plastic Waste Management Rules to address low-dose chemical toxicity (such as EDCs), microplastic contamination, and the heightened vulnerability of children and pregnant women.
- Under the PWM Rules 2024, Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) are legally obligated to collect and responsibly process the plastic packaging they introduce, including compostable and biodegradable plastics.
- While an online submission and tracking system has been introduced to ensure compliance, its effectiveness depends on robust implementation and strict monitoring.
- Harmful plastic additives should be classified as toxic under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Additionally, the EPR mechanism must be strengthened through material-specific targets, third-party audits, and traceability via plastic credits to ensure accountability and circularity.
- Collaborate on Global Plastic Initiatives: India should align with global initiatives like the UN Clean Seas Campaign to share knowledge and best practices for reducing plastic waste globally.
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Drishti Mains Question:
India is now the world’s top plastic polluter. Examine the socio-economic and health impacts of plastics. Suggest reforms to tackle this crisis.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q.1 In India, ‘extend producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? (2019)
(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Ans: (c)
Q.2 How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018)
- The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
- The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Q. Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into the environment? (2019)
(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q: What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our a habitable environment? (2018)
RECLAIM Framework for Mine Closure
05-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Coal launched the RECLAIM Framework to ensure just and sustainable mine closures through inclusive community participation.
What is RECLAIM Framework?
- About: An India-specific policy tool developed by the Coal Controller Organisation (Ministry of Coal) in partnership with the Heartfulness Institute, aimed at guiding inclusive and sustainable mine closures.
- Objective: To ensure a just, inclusive, and locally relevant transition for mining-affected communities by promoting community participation, ecological restoration, and long-term socio-economic recovery.
- It focuses on gender inclusivity, vulnerable groups, and convergence with Panchayati Raj Institutions to build resilient post-mining economies.
- Key Features:
- It promotes community-centric planning through local participation, with emphasis on gender equity, vulnerable groups, and livelihood diversification.
- It ensures institutional convergence by aligning with Panchayati Raj Institutions and local governance structures, and provides actionable, field-tested tools and methodologies tailored to Indian mining regions for effective implementation.
- Phases of Implementation: Pre-Closure (needs assessment, capacity building), Closure (participatory plan execution), and Post-Closure (monitoring, livelihood support, asset repurposing).
- Significance:
- Mitigates socio-economic and environmental impacts of mine closures
- Supports SDGs and promotes transparency, accountability, and trust
- Serves as a replicable model for other resource-dependent sectors and states.

What are the Key Challenges Related to Coal Mine Closure?
- Gap Between Policy and Practice: Despite mine closure guidelines since 2009, only 3 coal mines have been formally closed.
- Of the 299 non-operational mines (2024), only 8 applied for closure, while the rest remain abandoned or discontinued without scientific closure, causing ecological degradation, methane emissions, and increased risks of accidents and illegal mining.
- Lack of Proper Rehabilitation: Unsustainable mining and degradation of local resources have led to unemployment and forced migration, reducing community capacity and resource availability during mine closure. This hampers local participation and poses a major challenge to implementing effective and inclusive closure.
- Lack of Land Return Framework: The lack of clear mine closure and land return policies often results in land being transferred to other departments or used for renewable projects without scientific closure or community consultation, delaying just transition efforts, especially in states like Jharkhand.
- The 2024 draft Coal Bearing Areas (CBA) Amendment Bill proposes returning unused land to original owners, but lacks enforcement clarity.
- Technological & Economic Challenges: India's mine closure plans are mostly technical, neglecting social, economic, and environmental justice aspects.
- High escrow requirements (Rs 14 lakh/ha for opencast mines) deter mine operators from undertaking closure activities.
About Coal
- About: Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of ancient vegetation, found in the form of sedimentary rock, and often referred to as 'Black Gold' due to its high economic value.
- It is a conventional energy source widely used for domestic fuel, thermal power generation, and in industrial sectors like iron and steel and railway steam engines.
- Global Producers: As of 2025, top 5 coal-producing countries are China, India, Indonesia, United States and Russia.
- Coal Distribution in India:
- Gondwana Coal Fields: Gondwana coal contributes 98% of India’s coal reserves and 99% of its production, providing superior and metallurgical-grade coal.
- Major deposits are in the Damodar (Jharkhand–West Bengal), Mahanadi (Chhattisgarh–Odisha), Godavari (Maharashtra), and Narmada (Madhya Pradesh) valleys.
- Tertiary CoalFields: Tertiary coal fields (15–60 million years old) have lower carbon content but are rich in moisture and sulphur.
- They are mainly found in extra-peninsular regions such as Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Darjeeling foothills (West Bengal), Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala.

- Classification of Coal:
- Anthracite (80–95%): Highest carbon content, limited presence in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Bituminous (60–80%): Most abundant, found in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Lignite (40–55%): Lower grade, high moisture, found in Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Assam (Lakhimpur).
- Peat (<40%): Initial stage of coal formation with low heating value.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Critically analyse the socio-economic and ecological consequences of unscientific coal mine closures in India. How does the RECLAIM Framework aim to address these issues?
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q1. Consider the following statements: (2019)
- The coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
- Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
- Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (2021)
Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (2017)
NBDSA Flags Communal Code Violations
05-02-2026
Source: IE
Recently, data revealed that nearly 60% of orders passed by the News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) over the past three years cited violations of the communal harmony code by private TV and digital news broadcasters.
News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA)
- About: It is an independent self-regulatory body set up by the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), representing private TV and digital news broadcasters in India, and is funded by its members.
- Mandate & Framework: It enforces standards of objectivity, impartiality, fairness, decency, and responsible journalism under the News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Regulations, 2008, with a focus on communal harmony and ethical reporting.
- Powers & Jurisdiction: NBDSA adjudicates complaints against news broadcasts, may act suo motu or on complaints from individuals or government bodies, and can issue warnings, censures, direct content modification or removal, impose penalties or close complaints where no violation of its Code of Ethics is found.
- Structure: The body comprises a Chairperson, who must be an eminent jurist, along with members including news editors and individuals with expertise in fields such as law, education, literature, and public administration, nominated by a majority of the Board.
- Penalties & Redressal: It follows a two-tier grievance redressal mechanism, requiring complainants to first approach the broadcaster before escalating the matter to the Authority.
Miniratna Status for Yantra India Limited
05-02-2026
Source: PIB
Recently, the Defence Minister granted Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited, recognising its swift transformation into a profit-making Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) within four years.
- About: Yantra India Limited is one of the seven new DPSUs created after the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board on 1st October 2021, and functions under the Department of Defence Production.
- Key Products: The company manufactures carbon fibre composites, glass composites, aluminium alloys, and assembly products for medium and large calibre ammunition, armoured vehicles, artillery guns and main battle tanks, placing it in critical defence production segments.
- Significance: The status empowers YIL’s Board to incur capital expenditure up to ₹500 crore on new projects, modernisation and equipment purchase without prior government approval, enabling faster decisions and accelerated expansion.
- Policy Integration: The approval reinforces the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by supporting indigenisation, reduced import dependence, higher defence exports, greater industry participation, and India’s emergence as a global defence manufacturing hub.

Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0
05-02-2026
Source: PIB
Recently, NITI Aayog launched Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, a three-month campaign running from 28th January to 14th April 2026, to fast-track the full coverage of key development indicators across Aspirational Districts and Blocks.
Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0
- About: Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 builds on the success of the 2024 campaign and aims to saturate 5 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in 112 Aspirational Districts and 6 KPIs in 513 Aspirational Blocks under the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme
- Focus Areas: For Aspirational Blocks, the focus areas include child nutrition and measurement under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) basic amenities in Anganwadi Centres, girls’ sanitation facilities in schools, and bovine vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease.
- For Aspirational Districts, the KPIs cover birth weight measurement, tuberculosis case notification, conduct of Village/Urban Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days, functional girls’ toilets in schools, and animal vaccination coverage.
- Implementation Strategy: Districts and Blocks will prepare three-month action plans, track monthly progress, conduct awareness and behaviour change campaigns, and ensure field-level monitoring through district officers.
- Institutional Support: NITI Aayog, in coordination with Central Ministries, State Governments and Union Territories, will support planning, implementation, capacity building and systems for sustainable service delivery.
| Programme |
Aspirational Districts Programme |
Aspirational Blocks Programme |
| Launched |
January 2018 |
January 2023 |
| Aim |
Quickly and effectively transform 112 districts across the country. |
Saturation of essential government services in 513 Blocks (329 Districts) across the country. |
| Themes |
Health & Nutrition Education Agriculture & Water Resources Financial Inclusion & Skill Development Infrastructure |
Health & Nutrition Education Agriculture and Allied Services Basic Infrastructure Social Development |
| Number of indicators |
49 |
40 |
Circular Economy in Mobility
05-02-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
NITI Aayog launched three thematic reports on Enhancing Circular Economy in End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), Waste Tyres, E-waste, and Lithium-ion Batteries at the International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) organised by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) in Jaipur.
- The reports outline challenges and policy pathways to strengthen India’s circular economy ecosystem.
Summary
- NITI Aayog’s reports highlight that rapid urbanisation, EV growth, and digitalisation are sharply increasing ELVs, waste tyres, E-waste, and lithium-ion battery waste, exposing gaps in formal recycling, standards, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) enforcement.
- Adopting a strong circular economy framework—through infrastructure expansion, formalisation of informal recyclers, stronger EPR, and high-value recycling—can turn India’s waste crisis into a source of resource security, green jobs, and climate resilience.
What are the Key Highlights of the NITI Aayog Reports on Circular Economy in the Mobility?
End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs)
- Rapid urbanisation and rising vehicle ownership, including the surge in electric vehicles, are accelerating the generation of ageing vehicles in India.
- Electric Vehicles (EV) sales increased from 50,000 in 2016 to 2.08 million in 2024, with the government targeting 30% EV share in total vehicle sales by 2030, increasing future ELV volumes.
- The number of End-of-Life Vehicles is projected to rise from 23 million in 2025 to 50 million by 2030, intensifying environmental and material recovery challenges.
- Limited availability of Automated Testing Stations (ATS) and Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) constrains formal scrappage and circular economy outcomes.
- Weak financial viability of formal scrappage units, procedural delays, and low consumer awareness sustain informal dismantling practices.
Circular Economy of Waste Tyres in India
- Growth in vehicle ownership and EV adoption is driving higher tyre consumption, leading to a sharp increase in End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs).
- The tyre recycling ecosystem remains fragmented, with poor traceability, lack of standards, and dominance of informal recyclers.
- High-value recycling pathways such as recovered Carbon Black (rCB) and tyre retreading remain underutilised due to weak standards and market mandates.
- Downcycling of tyre waste leads to missed opportunities for import substitution and green job creation.
E-waste and Lithium-Ion Batteries in India
- Digitalisation and the clean energy transition are rapidly increasing E-waste and Lithium-ion battery waste in India.
- E-waste generation is expected to rise from 6.19 MMT (million metric ton) in 2024 to 14 MMT by 2030, significantly increasing recycling and environmental management pressures.
- Demand for Lithium-ion batteries is projected to grow from 29 GWh in 2025 to 248 GWh by 2035, driven by EV adoption and energy storage needs.
- Informal recycling using unsafe methods dominates the sector, causing pollution, health risks, and economic losses.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for E-waste covers only a few metals, while weak monitoring allows fake recyclers and fraudulent certifications.
- Inefficient recycling deepens India’s dependence on imported critical minerals, affecting long-term energy security.
What is Circular Economy?
- About: The Circular Economy refers to an economic model whose objective is to produce goods and services in a sustainable way, by limiting the consumption and waste of resources (raw materials, water, energy) as well as the production of waste.
- Unlike the linear economy (take–make–dispose), the circular economy includes 6 R’s - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refurbishment, Recover, and Repairing of materials.
Importance of Circular Economy for India
- Resource Constraint: India has 18% of the global population but only ~7% mineral resources and ~4% freshwater, making a linear, extraction-led growth model economically unsustainable.
- Linear consumption increases dependence on imported metals, fossil fuels, and construction materials, while circular economy substitutes virgin imports with domestic secondary materials.
- Exploding Waste Generation: India generates ~1.68 lakh tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, projected to reach 436 million tonnes annually by 2050, showing growth is directly translating into waste without circular intervention.
- Residual Waste Dominance: Only about 55–60% of waste is processed, while the rest becomes residual waste that is landfilled or dumped, permanently destroying recoverable material value.
- India has over 2,100 dumpsites, locking over 10,000 hectares of urban land, which circular processing can reclaim for housing and infrastructure.
- Climate impact: GHG emissions from municipal solid waste are projected to reach ~41 million tonnes CO₂-equivalent by 2030, mainly due to landfill methane.
- Circular economies can mitigate this by reducing emissions at both the source and disposal stages.
- Construction Sector Pressure: India’s infrastructure boom generates massive Construction and Demolition (C&D)waste, of which ~95% is recyclable, yet poor circularity increases sand mining, cement emissions, and ecological damage.
- Water stress: Urban India sewage generation is projected to rise to 1.2 lakh millions of liters per day (MLD) by 2050, circular reuse of treated wastewater reduces freshwater withdrawals.
- Employment potential: Circular activities like recycling and bio-methanation can generate over 1 crore man-days of employment, unlike capital-intensive extractive industries.
India’s Initiatives Supporting Circular Economy
What Measures are Needed to Strengthen the Circular Economy in Mobility?
End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs)
- Expand ATS and RVSFs on a time-bound basis, including PSU-led models with private operations to ensure nationwide coverage.
- Link vehicle deregistration strictly to a valid Certificate of Deposit (CoD), supported by Aadhaar-based ownership transfer and automated penalties to prevent leakages.
- Formalise informal dismantlers through phased integration, technical assistance, and a one-time waiver of legacy environmental liabilities to encourage compliance.
Circular Economy of Waste Tyres
- Restrict Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) use to refineries or approved industrial applications and mandate conversion of carbon char only into recovered Carbon Black (rCB).
- Notify national standards for TPO and rCB and issue guidelines for their use in value-added applications to prevent downcycling.
- Formalise informal recyclers via Udyam Assist, offer targeted financial support, one-time liability waivers, and rationalise GST and Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes for recycled tyre products.
E-waste and Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Expand EPR coverage to include additional high-value and critical minerals beyond current metals to encourage investment in advanced recycling.
- Notify chemistry-wise metal composition for Lithium-ion batteries and update BIS standards (IS 16046) to mandate composition testing and purity benchmarks.
- Issue detailed guidelines for collection, storage, transport, refurbishment, and recycling of waste batteries and E-waste.
- Create shared recycling facilities with modern technology, formally train and recognise informal recyclers, and increase waste collection through city-led PPP systems ULB-led PPPs.
Conclusion
The NITI Aayog reports collectively stress India’s waste crisis is no longer just a sanitation issue—it is a resource, climate, urban governance, and economic challenge. By embracing a circular economy approach, residual waste can be transformed from an environmental liability into a driver of sustainable growth, green jobs, and climate resilience, aligning India’s development pathway with its SDG commitments.
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Drishti Mains Question:
India’s waste problem is not merely a sanitation issue but an economic and governance challenge. Discuss.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is meant by a circular economy?
A circular economy minimises waste and resource use by following the 6Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refurbish, Recover, and Repair, unlike the linear take–make–dispose model.
2. Why are End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) a growing concern in India?
Rapid urbanisation and rising vehicle ownership, including EVs, are projected to increase ELVs from 23 million in 2025 to 50 million by 2030, straining recycling systems.
3. What are the key challenges in India’s waste tyre recycling ecosystem?
The sector suffers from informality, poor traceability, lack of standards, and underutilisation of high-value products like recovered Carbon Black (rCB).
4. Why are E-waste and lithium-ion battery recycling critical for India?
Inefficient recycling increases pollution, health risks, and dependence on imported critical minerals, affecting long-term energy security.
5. What key measures has NITI Aayog suggested to strengthen the circular economy in mobility?
Recommendations include expanding scrappage infrastructure, strengthening EPR, formalising informal recyclers, improving standards, and creating shared recycling facilities
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: ( 2025)
Statement I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Statement II: Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.
Statement III: Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Ans: (a)
Q. In India, ‘extend producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?(2019)
(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Ans: (c)
8th Economic Census (EC) in 2027
04-12-2025
Source: ET
India will carry out its 8th Economic Census (EC) in 2027, following the two-phase Population Census (2026–27).
- Economic Census (EC): It is the complete count of all establishments (i.e. units engaged in production and/or distribution of goods and services not for the purpose of sole consumption) located within the geographical boundaries of the country.
- The first EC was held in 1977. EC is conducted nationwide by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MOSPI), National Statistics Office in collaboration with the Directorates of Economics and Statistics (DES) of all States and Union Territories.
- Data from 8th EC will be used to create the Statistical Business Register (SBR), a unified database mapping all enterprises across states.
- The SBR will help track whether enterprises are active or closed, improving the accuracy of national economic statistics.
- Population Census: The Census is the largest source of primary data at the village, town and ward level, offering detailed information on housing, amenities, demography, religion, SC/ST, language, literacy, education, economic activity, migration, and fertility.

Sustainable E-Waste Management Strategies
04-10-2025
For Prelims: E-waste, Heavy Metals, Particulate Matter, DNA, Extended Producer Responsibility, Central Pollution Control Board, Blockchain, Right-to-Repair.
For Mains: E-Waste Management in India: Current Status, Challenges, Socio-Economic Impacts, Policy Initiatives, and Way Forward.
Source: TH
Why in News?
India generated 2.2 million metric tonnes (MT) of e-waste in 2025, becoming the third-largest global generator after China and the US. However, informal recycling exposes millions, especially marginalised communities, to serious health risks, making it a major urban challenge.
E- Waste
- About: E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded or end-of-life electronic devices and equipment. It includes items such as computers, televisions, mobile phones, printers, refrigerators, and air conditioners.
- These products often contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium.
- Current Status of E-waste in India:
- Rapid Growth: E-waste generation recorded a 150% surge from the 0.71 million MT recorded in 2017–18. At current rates, this volume is expected to nearly double by 2030 in India.
- Urban Hotspots: The crisis is concentrated in cities, with over 60% of e-waste originating from just 65 urban centers. Key hotspots include Seelampur and Mustafabad in Delhi, Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, and Bhiwandi in Maharashtra.
- Informal Recycling: India has 322 registered formal recycling units with a capacity of 2.2 million MT annually, yet over half of e-waste (43% officially processed in 2023–24) is processed informally or not recycled.
- E-waste Management Frameworks in India
- E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016: It introduced the concept of a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).
- E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022: Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), producers must meet annual recycling targets through registered recyclers, with EPR certificates ensuring accountability for recycled products.
- Public institutions must dispose of e-waste through registered recyclers/refurbishers, who handle collection and processing.
- E-Waste (Management) Second Amendment Rules, 2023: Under Rule 5 of the E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022, Clause 4 was added to ensure safe and sustainable management of refrigerants in refrigeration and air-conditioning manufacturing.
- E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024: The rules provide for the creation of platforms for trading EPR certificates as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines with its approval.
- The CPCB will set the EPR certificate price range between 30% (minimum) and 100% (maximum) of the environmental compensation for non-compliance.
- Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2025: It introduces a comprehensive EPR framework for non-ferrous metal scrap, making producers responsible for recycling targets rising from 10% in 2026-27 to 75% by 2032-33.
What are the Key Challenges Associated with Managing E-waste in India?
- Dominance of the Informal Sector: Over 50% of e-waste is managed by the informal sector, which uses hazardous methods like open-air burning, and acid leaching causing serious health and environmental impacts.
- Weak Implementation: EPR non-compliance, false reporting (fake certificates), and weak penalties fail to deter large corporations.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Insufficient authorized dismantlers and recyclers, lack of advanced technologies for precious metal recovery, and the high cost of formal recycling limit India’s e-waste management capacity.
- Lack of Consumer Awareness: Most citizens lack awareness of e-waste hazards, often mixing it with municipal waste, while formal collection systems like producer take-back or drop-off points remain little known and inaccessible.
- Complex Nature of E-Waste: E-waste contains valuable metals (gold, copper), toxic heavy metals (lead, mercury), and hazardous chemicals, while modern compact device designs with glued or soldered parts make safe dismantling labor-intensive and difficult.
How Does E-Waste Impact the Environment and Human Health?
- Health Impacts: Informal e-waste recycling exposes workers and nearby populations to respiratory illnesses, neurological damage, skin, and eye disorders, and genetic impacts like DNA damage and immune alterations.
- Impacts on the Environment: Open burning releases particulate matter, heavy metals, and dioxins, creating hazardous air pollution; meanwhile, toxic slurries contaminate groundwater, threatening drinking and irrigation sources.
- Impact on Agriculture: Leaching from e-waste turns soil into a sink for heavy metals (cadmium, lead, chromium), which are absorbed by crops and livestock, while chemical contamination harms soil microbiota, reduces organic matter, and alters soil pH.
- Socio-Economic Impacts: Hazardous low-cost informal recycling hinders formal green industry growth, while improper handling of data storage devices risks fraud and identity theft.
How can India Make E-waste Management More Sustainable and Efficient?
- Formal Integration of the Informal Sector: Train informal e-waste workers as Green Collar technicians, provide safe recycling zones with protective gear and link formal registration to healthcare, insurance, and pension benefits.
- Use a blockchain-style digital ledger to track e-waste from consumers to recyclers, mandate annual audits, and streamline the EPR framework to ensure accountability.
- Leveraging Technology & Innovation: Fund R&D for advanced shredding, bioleaching, and non-thermal recovery methods; establish decentralized recycling hubs, and incentivize “urban mining” by treating e-waste as a valuable resource.
- Fostering Consumer Responsibility: Run campaigns on the health impacts of informal recycling and proper e-waste disposal; teach e-waste and circular economy in schools; and simplify disposal via producer take-back and reverse vending machines with incentives.
- Circular Economy: Promote Right-to-Repair laws, encourage durable and easily disassembled electronics through incentives, and support green public procurement by prioritizing repairable and recycled-content products.
- Global Collaboration: Strictly enforce the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (1989), a global treaty aimed at limiting the international movement of hazardous waste, including e-waste. India is a signatory to this convention.
Conclusion
India’s booming digital transformation has intensified its e-waste crisis, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Sustainable solutions require formalising the informal sector, strengthening enforcement, leveraging technology, promoting consumer responsibility, and embracing circular economy principles. Urgent multi-stakeholder action is essential to safeguard public health, environmental integrity, and long-term economic resilience.
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Drishti Mains Question:
"India's digital leap has an unintended consequence: a silent e-waste epidemic." Critically examine this statement, analyzing the socio-economic and environmental challenges posed by informal e-waste recycling in urban India.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is India’s current e-waste generation status?
India generated 2.2 million MT of e-waste in 2025, ranking third globally, with urban hotspots like Delhi, Moradabad, and Bhiwandi contributing over 60%.
2. What is the concept of 'urban mining' in the context of e-waste management?
It treats e-waste as a valuable resource by recovering precious and rare-earth metals from discarded electronics, promoting a circular economy and reducing the need for virgin material extraction.
3. What are the major health risks associated with informal e-waste recycling?
Informal recycling exposes workers to respiratory illnesses, neurological damage, skin disorders, DNA damage, and developmental delays, especially in children.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions
Prelims:
Q. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? (2013)
- Beryllium
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Heptachlor
- Mercury
- Lead
- Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q. What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018)
Model Youth Gram Sabha(MYGS)
04-10-2025
Source: IE
The Centre is set to launch the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS), a school-based initiative inspired by Model UN simulations, to provide students practical exposure to local governance and Panchayati Raj functioning.
- Model UN simulations involve hundreds of thousands of students each year, helping them learn about the UN’s principles and functions.
MYGS
- About: It is a school-based initiative that introduces the democratic process of Gram Sabhas into classrooms across India, marking the first structured effort to involve students in grassroots governance.
- Objective: It aims to develop informed and responsible citizens who understand local governance, with students discussing issues and preparing village budgets and plans.
- Launched By: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with Ministries of Education and Tribal Affairs.
- Implementation: It will be launched in a phased manner, beginning with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
- Each participating school will receive Rs. 20,000 to conduct the mock Gram Sabha.
- Key Features: Students of Classes 9–12 to role-play as sarpanch, ward members, village secretary, Anganwadi worker, ANM, junior engineers, etc.
- Teacher training provided through National Level Master Trainers (NLMTs).
- It features regional and national competitions with substantial prize money, along with certificates.

Fireflies as Ecological Indicators
04-09-2025
Source: IE
A Tamil Nadu Forest Department study in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) identified eight firefly species and their population dynamics, emphasizing their role as ecological indicators.
Fireflies (Lampyridae)
- Classification & Habitat: Bioluminescent beetles, also known as lightning bugs or fireflies, are crucial for environmental balance.
- Found in diverse habitats, including tropical forests and temperate grasslands, they belong to the Lampyridae family.
- They thrive in undisturbed soils, high humidity, clean water, and low artificial light.
- Morphology: Seasonal, active during or after rains, otherwise remain as larvae in soil and they live around 2 months.
- Ecological Significance:
- Bioluminescent beetles produce cold, efficient light in abdominal organs through a biochemical reaction involving luciferin, luciferase, oxygen, and ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), with light colors ranging from green to yellow.
- This bioluminescence plays key roles in mating signal and predator deterrence.
- Large-scale synchronous flashing of fireflies are bioindicators of pollution-free areas, with population changes signaling environmental disruptions.
- Which can impact other species like moths, bats, and amphibians.
- Threats: Threats like urbanization, deforestation, pesticides, and light pollution are linked to their declining populations.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR)
- Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2007, it is surrounded by Parambikulum Tiger Reserve(PTR), Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulum National Park.
- Kariyan Shola, Grass Hills, and Manjampatti of ATR is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It hosts evergreen, deciduous, and shola forests, montane and marshy grasslands, and key fauna like tiger, Asiatic elephant, sambar, leopard, and others.

BHARATI Initiative
04-09-2025
Source: PIB
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched the BHARATI initiative to strengthen India’s agri-food exports and foster innovation among startups.
BHARATI Initiative
- About: BHARATI (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement) aims to promote innovation, strengthen India’s agri-food startups, and boost exports.
- Objectives: To empower 100 agri-food startups through innovation and incubation, supporting APEDA's goal of USD 50 billion in agri-food exports by 2030.
- Also aims to address challenges in perishability, quality, logistics, and sustainability.
- Key Features:
- Targets high-value agri-food products such as GI-tagged, organic, superfoods, processed foods, livestock, AYUSH products.
- It will also promote advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT, and agri-fintech, addressing packaging, perishability, sustainability, and logistics.
- Connects startups and innovators to provide export-ready solutions by helping them meet international food safety and quality standards through a 3-month acceleration programme.
- It also aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India, and Start-Up India programme.
- APEDA partners with state boards, universities, IITs/NITs, industry bodies, and accelerators to strengthen the ecosystem and enable annual scalability.
APEDA
- APEDA, established under the APEDA Act, 1985, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- It promotes and develops exports of agricultural products, providing support in marketing, transportation, and value addition.

India’s Suspect Registry and Cybersecurity Initiatives
04-09-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
India’s online suspect registry has saved around Rs 5,100 crore by blocking 13 lakh fraudulent transactions, and it has quickly become a key tool in India’s fight against cybercrime.
What is a Suspect Registry?
- About: Launched in 2024, the suspect registry was created based on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
- It contains data on 1.4 million cybercriminals linked to financial fraud and other cybercrimes, which has been shared with all banks.
- The data has been shared with all banks and is accessible to States, UTs, and central investigation and intelligence agencies
- Objective: The registry helps banks and financial institutions verify customer credentials and monitor transactions to suspected accounts in real time.
- Using data from the NCRP, it strengthens fraud risk management and flags potential cybercriminals.
- Need for Suspect Registry: India loses over Rs 1,000 crore every month to cyber fraud. More than 80% of cybercrime cases involve financial fraud.
- The rising scale of digital transactions demands stronger fraud risk management and real-time monitoring.
- Impact: As of December 2024, over 6.1 lakh fraudulent transactions worth around Rs 1,800 crore were blocked.
- Banks froze 8.67 lakh mule accounts, 7 lakh SIMs, and 1.4 lakh devices. Since 2021, around Rs 3,850 crore in frauds have been intercepted, and suspicious online contents were blocked under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Cybercrime Trends in India
- Rising Cybercrime Losses: According to the NCRP India witnessed a massive surge in cyber fraud, with total losses of around Rs 33,165 crore (2021-24).
- Emergence of Tier 2 & 3 Cybercrime Hotspots: Cities like Deoghar, Jaipur, Nuh, Mathura, Kolkata, Surat, Bengaluru Urban, and Kozhikode have been identified as hotspots, reflecting that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting smaller cities.

Click here to Read: Cyber Frauds
What are India's Cybersecurity Initiatives?
- Constitutional Context: Police and public order are state subjects. States/UTs handle crimes, including cybercrime, while the Centre provides guidance, coordination, and funding.
- Policy Mechanisms:
- Information Technology Act, 2000: Covers cybercrime offences like phishing, smishing, and vishing with fines and imprisonment.
- New Criminal Laws: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, address modern cyber threats.
- National Cyber Security Policy, 2013: Aimed at protecting cyberspace, building cyber defense capabilities, reducing vulnerabilities, and strengthening national digital security.
- Institutional Mechanisms
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Attached office under MHA for coordinated response to cybercrime.
- The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) under I4C enables the public to report all types of cybercrimes, with a major focus on crimes against women and children.
- Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) under I4C brings banks, financial intermediaries, telecom service providers, IT intermediaries and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) under one roof for real-time action.
- Samanvay Platform a web-based portal for cybercrime data, analytics, mapping, and coordination among Law Enforcement Agencies nationwide.
- Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) platform for immediate action on financial cyber fraud complaints via helpline 1930.
- CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team): National agency under IT Act, 2000 for handling cybersecurity incidents, vulnerabilities, and coordinated response.
- CERT-In runs the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) for situational awareness of cyber threats and the Cyber Swachhta Kendra to detect and remove malware, offering free tools and cybersecurity guidance for citizens and organizations.
- International Cooperation: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) participates in Interpol-led cybercrime cooperation initiatives.
- The CBI is the nodal agency for G-7 24/7 network, which is a secure channel for making data preservation requests in cases related to cyber crime.
- Digital Mechanisms
- ‘.bank.in’ Domain for Banks: Exclusive internet domain for Indian banks to reduce cyber fraud and strengthen digital trust.
- e-Zero FIR: Converts cyber financial crime complaints above Rs 10 lakh into First Information Report (FIR) automatically.
- MuleHunter.AI: AI tool developed by RBI to detect “mule accounts” used for transferring stolen funds.
- ASTR: Developed by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR) is used to identify suspected mobile connections taken by the same person in different names.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the institutional and digital mechanisms established by India to prevent and respond to cybercrime.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q.1 In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)
- Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
- Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
- Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
- Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Q.2 In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)
- Service providers
- Data centres
- Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
Conservationists Raise Concerns Over ‘Turtle Trails’
04-02-2026
Source: TH
The Union Budget 2026–27 proposal to develop ‘turtle trails’ along key turtle nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala, has triggered concerns among conservationists.
- Turtle trails are designated coastal pathways and viewing infrastructure intended to promote regulated ecotourism around turtle nesting sites.
- Conservationists argue that introducing turtle trails threatens the darkness and tranquility essential for mass nesting and that policy efforts should prioritise robust conservation enforcement, including habitat protection and effective regulation of fishing activities, over tourism-driven initiatives.
Olive Ridley Turtle
- Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea): It belongs to the class Reptilia and family Cheloniidae, is the smallest sea turtle species, recognized by its olive or grayish-green color and heart-shaped carapace.
- Behaviour (Arribada): Olive Ridleys are omnivores and exhibit arribada, a mass nesting event where thousands of females nest together.
- Olive Ridley turtles inhabit warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans and undertake long-distance migrations of up to 9,000 km between feeding and breeding grounds, nesting 1–3 times between December and March and laying about 100 eggs per clutch.
- Nesting Sites: Gahirmatha and Rushikulya in Odisha are among the world’s largest nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles.
- Gahirmatha is a strict no-go zone due to proximity to the Integrated Test Range, while Rushikulya has faced disturbances in the past, leading to visitor restrictions.
- Other important nesting sites in India include the Devi River mouth in Odisha and the Andaman Islands.
- Threats: Poaching of meat, shell and eggs, and accidental entanglement in trawl and gill nets during breeding season. India mandates Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets to reduce mortality.
- Protection: Listed as Vulnerable (IUCN), under CITES Appendix I, and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

SC Directions on ‘Digital-Arrest’ Scams
03-12-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India has given the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) a free hand to investigate ‘digital arrest’ scams nationwide, after the Union government reported that fraudsters had siphoned off about Rs 3,000 crore, largely from senior citizens.
What are the Supreme Court Directions on Digital Arrest Scams?
What is Digital Arrest?
- About: Digital arrest is a cyber scam in which fraudsters impersonate law-enforcement agencies to extort money by creating fear and urgency.
- Scammers contact victims, falsely link them to criminal cases, and threaten arrest or freezing of bank accounts using spoofed numbers and fake documents.
- They exploit this fear to pressure victims into paying a fake fine or security deposit to avoid the fabricated legal action.
- Menace of Digital Arrest: As of 2024, I4C has blocked over 59,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to digital arrests.
What are the Challenges in Curtailing Digital-Arrest Scams?
- Advanced Digital Tradecraft: Scammers use sophisticated digital tradecraft (spoofed numbers, deepfakes, fake documents, and encrypted apps) making detection and attribution difficult.
- Powerful Social Engineering: Fraudsters exploit fear, urgency, and impersonation of agencies like CBI or ED, especially targeting senior citizens and low-awareness users.
- Weak Cybersecurity Practices: Poor password hygiene, outdated software, and unsafe device use make it easier for scammers to access personal data and impersonate victims.
- Rise of Digital Payments: Widespread use of Unified Payments Interface, Quick Response (QR) codes, and online banking has expanded avenues for fraud, enabling fake payment alerts, SIM swaps, and investment scams.
- Dark Web–Driven Crime Networks: Organised groups access stolen data, malware kits, and ransomware-as-a-service on the dark web, making scams more sophisticated and coordinated.
- Weak Laws & Enforcement Gaps: Slow investigations, limited cyber policing capacity, and cross-border jurisdiction issues allow scammers to operate with low risk and high reward.
- Rapidly Evolving Cybercrime Techniques: Fraudsters constantly upgrade their tools—spoofed numbers, deepfakes, and AI-generated documents—to bypass security checks.
- Slow Reporting & Stigma: Many victims hesitate to report due to embarrassment or fear, allowing scammers to operate undetected.
What are India's Initiatives to Tackle Digital Arrest?
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): The I4C set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate national cybercrime response, capacity building, monitoring, and intelligence sharing.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Enables citizens to report cybercrimes online, cases are forwarded to respective State/UT police for action.
- Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System (Helpline 1930): Allows immediate reporting of financial frauds.
- Anti-Spoofing Measures: Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and telecom operators now identify and block international spoofed calls appearing as Indian numbers—frequently used in digital-arrest, FedEx, and impersonation scams.
- Digital Safety Awareness: Government spreads awareness about digital arrests through SMS alerts, CyberDost social media platforms, and digital displays at airports and railway stations.
Conclusion
Digital-arrest scams show how rapidly cybercrime is evolving and why stronger enforcement and public awareness are essential. With coordinated action from the CBI, states, and I4C, India can better protect citizens and strengthen its digital security ecosystem.
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Drishti Mains Question:
What is Digital Arrest? Explain how it works and why it is rising in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs
Q. What is a “digital-arrest” scam?
Digital-arrest is a cyber fraud where scammers impersonate law-enforcement agencies to coerce victims into paying “fines” or “security deposits” by threatening arrest, account freezes, or passport cancellation.
Q. What is I4C and how does it help?
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) (Ministry of Home Affairs) coordinates cybercrime intelligence, blocks malicious IDs/accounts, runs the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, and supports capacity building for state LEAs.
Q. How can victims report digital fraud quickly?
Victims can use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Helpline — 1930, which enables immediate action like blocking suspicious transfers.
Summary
- The Supreme Court authorised the CBI to freely investigate digital-arrest scams after fraudsters extorted nearly ₹3,000 crore from citizens, mainly seniors.
- States were directed to grant DSPE Act consent, and the CBI was asked to coordinate with INTERPOL to track global cybercrime networks.
- Digital tradecraft, social engineering, weak cybersecurity, and rising digital payments are driving the surge in such scams.
- India’s response includes I4C, the cybercrime reporting portal, Helpline 1930, anti-spoofing systems, and nationwide digital-safety awareness campaigns.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.1 In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)
- Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
- Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
- Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
- Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Q.2 In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)
- Service providers
- Data centres
- Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
US Orders Resumption of Nuclear Weapon Testing
03-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The US President has ordered the resumption of US nuclear weapon testing after a gap of 33 years (1992), marking a major shift in global nuclear policy.
What is the Status of Global Nuclear Weapon Testing Facility?
- Beginning: The nuclear era began in 1945 with the US atomic tests and bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending World War II, while the Soviet Union’s 1949 test soon intensified Cold War tensions.
- Frequency of Nuclear Testing: From 1945 to 1996, over 2,000 nuclear tests were conducted worldwide, with India and Pakistan testing twice in 1998 and North Korea six times between 2006–2017.
- The US last tested in 1992, China and France in 1996, and the Soviet Union in 1990; Russia, inheriting the Soviet Union’s arsenal, has never conducted a test.
- Reasons For Halting Nuclear Tests: Nuclear tests by the Soviet Union in Kazakhstan and the Arctic and by Western nations in the Pacific islands caused radiation exposure, land contamination, and lasting health and environmental harm.
- Drivers of Nuclear Test Resumption: Nuclear testing may be resumed to confirm the effectiveness of existing and new weapons and to send strategic messages to rival nations.
What can be the Implications of the U.S. Resuming Nuclear Weapon Testing?
- Geopolitical Implications: US nuclear testing could trigger Russia, China, and others to resume tests, sparking a new global arms race and heightening military tensions among major powers.
- It may also encourage Pakistan, North Korea, or Iran to expand or test their arsenals, disrupting regional stability.
- This could pressure India to reconsider its strategic doctrines, especially vis-à-vis China and Pakistan.
- It enables real-world testing of advanced warheads and delivery systems, beyond computer simulations.
- Diplomatic Implications: CTBT, though unenforced, remains a key global norm; resuming nuclear tests would undermine it, break the long-standing taboo (disapproval), and erode trust in global disarmament efforts and Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) objectives.
- It heightens the US focus on military deterrence over diplomatic engagement, aligning with Trump’s earlier nuclear triad modernization efforts.
- Environmental Implications: Nuclear tests can release radioactive materials into the atmosphere contaminating air, water, and soil with long-lived isotopes like Caesium-137 and Strontium-90.
- This greatly raises risks of cancer, genetic mutations, and birth defects in nearby populations.
- Undermining Global Disarmament Goals: It undermines the spirit of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), adopted in 2017, and may weaken global commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation treaties such as the NPT and CTBT.
- Ethical Concerns: It disproportionately harms vulnerable communities, undermines global peace, and violates the spirit of disarmament treaties like the CTBT.
- Pursuing security through destructive means contradicts principles of non-maleficence, justice, and moral responsibility toward humanity and nature.
Nuclear Arms Control Treaties
- Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), 1968: Seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote disarmament, and encourage peaceful use of nuclear energy, recognizing five nuclear-weapon states — the US, Russia, UK, France, and China. (India is not a member)
- Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), 1996: Bans all nuclear explosions for testing purposes, though it has not yet entered into force. (India has not signed CTBT)
- Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), 2017: Prohibits the use, possession, testing, and transfer of nuclear weapons under international law.
What is India's Stand on the Use of Nuclear Weapons?
- Nuclear Testing: India upholds a voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing but chooses not to make it a legally binding treaty commitment.
- No First Use (NFU) Policy: India adheres to a No First Use policy, reaffirmed in the 2003 Nuclear Doctrine, maintaining credible minimum deterrence.
- Commitment to Non-Proliferation: Though not an NPT signatory, India upholds its non-proliferation goals.
- Peaceful Nuclear Applications: India promotes peaceful nuclear energy use in power, medicine, and industry as a sustainable, low-carbon solution and is a signatory to the 1994 Convention on Nuclear Safety.
- Balancing Civilian and Strategic Needs: India balances its civilian nuclear energy program and strategic arsenal, with its three-stage thorium-based program promoting self-reliance in nuclear energy.
What Steps can Preserve Nuclear Peace and Prevent Nuclear Escalation?
- Reinforce Non-proliferation Instruments: Renew verifiable arms limits through New START–style agreements and enforce the CTBT to curb nuclear testing and arms races.
- Strengthen export controls and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) guidelines to prevent the spread of weapons-grade materials and sensitive technologies.
- Reduce Accidental or Hasty Use: Secure and harden command systems with stronger cybersecurity and fail-safe controls to prevent accidental escalation.
- De-alert nuclear forces and lengthen decision timelines to reduce “use-now” pressure and allow cooling-off time.
- Revive Arms Control Dialogues: Strategic dialogues involving U.S., Russia, and China should be reinitiated under UN or G20 frameworks to ensure transparency and restraint.
- Confidence Building Measures: Implement mutual inventories and reciprocal inspections to verify force levels, and impose freezes on weapon upgrades or deliveries as interim confidence-building steps.
- Sustained High-Level Diplomacy: Nuclear risk reduction must remain a top global priority, fostering dialogue and cooperation to ensure security without reliance on nuclear deterrence.
Conclusion
Resuming US nuclear tests risks undermining arms-control norms, triggering a renewed arms race, damaging the environment and public health, complicating global non-proliferation efforts, while straining diplomacy and increasing economic costs.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Examine the implications of resumption of nuclear testing by a major power on global arms control regimes
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)?
The CTBT (1996) prohibits all nuclear explosions; it has not entered into force—major signatories like the US signed but not ratified, undermining enforceability.
2. What are the key environmental risks associated with nuclear weapons testing?
Testing releases long-lived radioactive isotopes like Caesium-137, leading to widespread contamination of air, soil, and water, and increasing risks of cancer and genetic defects in exposed populations.
3. What is the cornerstone of India's declared nuclear doctrine?
India follows a No First Use (NFU) policy with credible minimum deterrence, balances civilian nuclear programmes and strategic needs while supporting non-proliferation objectives.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not? (2020)
(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium
(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately owned
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018)
NCB’s Operation- MED MAX
03-07-2025
Source: TH
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), under Operation MED MAX and in coordination with international agencies, has dismantled a transnational drug cartel operating across more than 10 countries in Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania.
- NCB: Headquartered in New Delhi, NCB is the apex drug law enforcement and intelligence agency in India, constituted in 1986 under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on Article 47 of the Indian Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy, which mandates the prohibition of the consumption of intoxicating drugs except for medicinal purposes.
- Functions and Powers of NCB: Operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinates with various central and state agencies for enforcement and policy implementation.
- Significance of NCB in Internal Security: Plays a key role in national security and public health, especially in light of increasing international drug syndicates.
- Leads India’s response to digital and transnational narcotic crimes.
- NCB supports multilateral enforcement actions involving agencies like the US DEA and Interpol.
- Other Major Legislation Governing Drugs: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS Act, 1988.
- India is a signatory to key international conventions like Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (as amended by 1972 Protocol), Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971, and UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.
National Sports Policy 2025
03-07-2025
Source:PIB
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025 (Khelo Bharat Niti 2025), replacing the National Sports Policy, 2001. It outlines a roadmap to make India a global sporting powerhouse with a focus on the 2036 Olympics.
What are the Key Pillars of the National Sports Policy 2025?
- Pillars of NSP 2025:
- Excellence on the Global Stage: Focuses on strengthening sports from grassroots to elite levels through early talent identification, development of competitive leagues and infrastructure, and creation of world-class training and coaching systems.
- It also aims to enhance National Sports Federations' governance, promote sports science and technology, and train coaches, officials, and support staff.
- Sports for Economic Development: It promotes sports tourism, startups, and private investment to strengthen India’s role in the global sports economy.
- Sports for Social Development: The policy emphasizes the role of sports in promoting social inclusion by encouraging participation from marginalized groups, reviving traditional and indigenous games, and fostering diaspora engagement and volunteering.
- Sports as a People’s Movement: To make sports a national movement, the policy aims to promote mass participation and a fitness culture through campaigns, introduce fitness indices for institutions, and improve access to sports facilities across the country.
- Integration with Education (NEP 2020): Aligned with National Education Policy 2020, it seeks to integrate sports into school curricula and train educators to foster early sports engagement.
- Strategic Framework:
- Governance: NSP 2025 aims to establish a legal and regulatory framework to ensure transparency and accountability in sports administration.
- Private Sector Participation: Mobilize private investments via Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and innovative funding initiatives.
- Technology and Innovation: Use Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and emerging technologies for performance tracking and program delivery.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Set up a national framework with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and time-bound targets for regular progress tracking.
- Model Policy for States: Serve as a guide for States and Union Territories to create or update their own sports policies aligned with national goals.
How has India’s Sports Policy Evolved?
- State of Sports in India Post-1947: India hosted the first Asian Games in 1951, signaling its regional aspirations. In 1954, the All-India Council of Sports (AICS) was created to advise the government and support elite athletes.
- However, modest funding meant Indian athletes often missed international events due to financial constraints.
- Despite limited state support, legends like Milkha Singh, Gurbachan Singh, Praveen Kumar Sobti, and Kamaljeet Sandhu brought India glory in athletics. Meanwhile, India’s men’s hockey team dominated the Olympics from the 1920s to the 1980s.
- Beginning of India’s Sports Policy: The now Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) began as the Department of Sports in 1982 during the IX Asian Games in New Delhi. It was renamed the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports in 1985 during the International Youth Year.
- In 2000, it was elevated to a full-fledged Ministry, and later bifurcated into two departments as Youth Affairs and Sports.
- In 1984, India introduced its first National Sports Policy (NSP) that focused on infrastructure, mass participation, and elite excellence.
- It advocated integration of sports with education (formalized in the National Policy On Education 1986).
- The Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established in 1986 to implement policies.
- Between 1986 and 2000, sports saw uneven implementation due to its status as a State subject, with low budgets and limited public or market engagement.
- Impact of Liberalisation on Indian sports: The 1991 economic reforms and the rise of cable television significantly boosted sports visibility and public interest, especially among the urban middle class, which began engaging with sports beyond just cricket.
- In response, the 1997 Draft Sports Policy proposed States focus on mass sports and the Centre on elite athletes, but it was never enacted.
- Indian Sports in the 21st Century: The MYAS launched a revised National Sports Policy (2001) focused on mass participation and international success.
- While sports gained budgetary support, Olympic medals remained limited—Rathore (2004), Bindra (2008), Vijender and bronzes in boxing from Vijender Singh (2008) and Mary Kom (2012).
- The National Sports Development Code (2011) aimed to reform NSFs, addressing governance and doping, but faced implementation challenges.
- Major Sports Schemes:
- Target Olympic Podium Scheme (2014): Coaching and support for elite athletes.
- Khelo India (2017): Talent scouting across schools/universities.
- Fit India Movement (2019): Encouraged fitness at the grassroots level.

What are the Challenges in India's Sports Ecosystem?
- Governance and Ethical Failures: India’s sports governance suffers from politicisation, red tape, and lack of professionalism. Mismanagement cases, such as the Wrestling Federation of India sexual harassment case (2023) and Indian Olympic Association (IOA)’s suspension by International Olympic Committee (2022), reflect systemic issues.
- Poor athlete support, seen in incidents like Vinesh Phogat missing Olympic qualification over a minor weight issue, exposes gaps in scientific coaching and planning.
- Cricket-Centric Sports Market: Cricket dominates media, sponsorships, and funding. In 2023, cricket dominated 87% of India's sports market, leaving just 13% for all other sports like football, hockey, and badminton.
- Other sports like athletics, hockey, or wrestling get minimal visibility and investment.
- Low Athlete Representation: Although India sent its largest-ever Olympic contingent of 117 athletes to the Paris 2024 Games, the number remains significantly lower than countries like the U.S. (594), France (572), and Australia (460).
- This highlights persistent gaps in grassroots talent scouting and early-stage athlete development, despite India's large population.
- Lack of Structured Talent Scouting: India lacks a streamlined grassroots scouting system. Rural and tribal talent often goes unnoticed.
- For example, Tulsidas Balaram (Indian footballer) was discovered by chance, highlighting the need for systemic scouting.
- Gender Disparity in Participation: Women face fewer opportunities, infrastructure gaps, and social stigma.
- 49% of girls drop out of sports (six times higher than boys) due to safety concerns, lack of role models, and body image issues. 21% of women athletes report childhood abuse, undermining safe and equal participation (UNESCO, 2024).
- Overemphasis on Academics: Cultural pressure prioritizes academics over sports as a career. Parents and schools often treat sports as extracurricular, not essential. This limits early sports participation and physical literacy.
What Measures can be Taken to Promote Sports in India?
- Strengthen Grassroots Talent Identification: Launch structured scouting programs in rural, tribal, and underserved regions. Leverage initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India Movement to create a bottom-up approach.
- Introduce models like Australia’s Talent Search Program, which uses physiological tests in schools to identify potential Olympians.
- Upgrade Sports Infrastructure: Develop inclusive and accessible sports facilities at the district and block level.
- Reform Sports Governance: Ensure autonomy, transparency, and professionalism in National Sports Federations (NSFs). Appoint sports professionals, not politicians, in key federation roles.
- Promote Gender Equality in Sports: Provide safe and inclusive spaces for girls and women in sports. Ensure gender audits, grievance redressal mechanisms, and equal pay in national teams.
- UNESCO's "Sport and Gender Equality Game Plan" (2024) calls for eliminating violence in sports and increasing female participation globally.
- Leverage Technology and Sports Science: Leverage AI, wearables, and data analytics beyond cricket for performance tracking and injury prevention.
- Establish zonal and national sports science centres for nutrition, psychology, and biomechanics support.
- Countries like China and the UK use advanced labs and data systems for Olympic training.
- Foster Sports Culture and Public Awareness: Launch mass media campaigns to normalize sports as a career and lifestyle. Organize community sports festivals, school leagues, and state championships regularly.
- Institutionalize Monitoring and Evaluation: Set KPIs at central and state levels for tracking sports outcomes. Use real-time dashboards and third-party audits to assess progress.
- NSP 2025 envisions a national framework for sports evaluation, which must be operationalized effectively.
Conclusion
India’s transformation into a global sporting power demands more than policies—it needs implementation, accountability, and sustained vision. With NSP 2025 and the 2036 Olympic aspiration, India stands at a historic juncture. If backed by reforms, inclusivity, and investment, sports can emerge as a powerful engine of national development.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the key features of the National Sports Policy 2025. Examine the persistent challenges in the Indian sports ecosystem and suggest systemic reforms.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q1. Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000: (2021)
- American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.
- The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.
- Roger Federer received this award the maximum number of times compared to others.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Q2. Consider the following statements in respect of the ICC World Test Championship: (2021)
- The finalists were decided by the number of matches they won.
- New Zealand was ranked ahead of England because it won more matches than England.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans : (d)
Consumer Confidence in India
03-02-2026
For Prelims: Rationalised GST, Disinflation, Retail Inflation, CPI, Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS), Deflation, Inflation, K-shaped Pattern, Minimum Support Price (MSP), MSMEs, Capital Expenditure (Capex).
For Mains: Factors supporting consumer confidence in India and associated challenges. Steps needed to maintain a sustainable consumer confidence in India.
Source: IE
Why in News?
Following major policy reforms—lower income tax rates and a rationalised GST—consumption, the bedrock of economic growth, appears resilient, though underlying stresses continue to persist beneath the surface of renewed consumer confidence.
Summary
- Policy-led disinflation and tax reforms have temporarily strengthened consumer confidence.
- Household debt, weak income growth, and inequality threaten demand sustainability.
- Inclusive growth, wage expansion, and financial resilience are essential for durable consumption-led growth.
What Factors have Supported Consumer Confidence in the Recent Past?
- Surge in Durable Goods: GST rate cuts helped push headline retail inflation to a record low of 0.25% in October 2025, making goods and services cheaper. As a result, during the Dussehra-Diwali festival window in 2025, demand for consumer durable loans was about 1.5 times higher than the previous year, signalling renewed consumer confidence.
- Rising Rural Wages: After averaging zero for 3 years, real rural wage growth (adjusted for inflation) rose to 4.1% in Q1 (April-June) of 2025-26. This rebound was primarily driven by a sharp fall in rural CPI inflation to 2.4% (April-June 2025), down from 5.5% a year ago. Nominal wage growth was 6.5%—the highest since mid-2023.
- Urban Wage Growth: A proxy for urban wages—the growth in staff costs of listed companies—showed real growth of 5.7% in July-September 2025, the highest in over 2 years. Again, this was aided by low urban inflation (2.1%).
- Existing Support in the Pipeline: The 125 basis points of RBI rate cuts in 2025 are still transmitting through the economy, which will continue to support demand.
RBI’s Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS)
- About: The Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS) is a bi-monthly survey (every alternate month) conducted by the RBI to measure consumer sentiments regarding the prevailing and expected economic conditions.
- Coverage: Historically and in its primary form, the CCS has been an urban-focused survey, conducted among households in major metropolitan and urban centres (typically 13–19 cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and others).
- The RBI has introduced a separate Rural Consumer Confidence Survey (RCCS) to complement the urban survey.
- The RCCS specifically targets rural and semi-urban households across 31 states/ UTs, providing a more inclusive national picture of household sentiments.
- Main Parameters:
- General economic situation
- Employment scenario
- Overall price situation / inflation
- Own household income
- Current and planned spending
- Significance & Usage: Helps the RBI and policymakers understand household sentiment, which has important implications for monetary policy stance, aggregate demand, retail sales and consumer durables outlook
What Concerns are Associated with Consumer Confidence in India?
- Deteriorating Household Balance Sheets: Household financial liabilities rose from 3.9% of GDP in 2019-20 to 6.2% in 2023-24, before a slight decline to 4.7% in 2024-25. Net financial assets had hit a multi-decade low of 4.9% of GDP in 2022-23. Between FY09 and FY23, real personal bank debt rose 2.9 times while industrial wages rose only 1.9 times.
- This has strained household balance sheets, leading to higher debt servicing costs and reduced capacity for consumption, particularly in urban areas.
- Unsustainable Income Growth: The recent rebound in real rural wages is largely due to a sharp fall in inflation, not a strong rise in nominal incomes. If food prices remain in deflation, farmers' incomes could suffer, undermining demand. Nominal urban wage growth has been stuck at the same level since mid-2023.
- This limits disposable income and constrains spending on both essentials and discretionary items.
- Income and Consumption Inequality: India's economic recovery exhibits K-shaped pattern, where affluent households drive premium and discretionary spending, while lower- and middle-income groups face stagnation or declining purchasing power. It narrows the broad consumer base and limits overall demand expansion.
- A K-shaped pattern is an uneven economic recovery where some sectors or income groups grow rapidly while others continue to decline, worsening inequality.
- Broader Structural Issues: Declining household savings rates, reduced spending shares on education (potentially impacting future employability), and reliance on debt-financed consumption raise sustainability concerns. Additionally, shifts toward ultra-processed foods and health-related expenditures reflect changing patterns with potential negative implications for well-being.
What Steps are Needed to Maintain a Sustainable Consumer Confidence in India?
- Secure & Boost Household Incomes: Shift policy to labor-intensive exports, ensure real wage growth via productivity-linked hikes, and strengthen farming beyond Minimum Support Price (MSP) with supply chain investment to boost job quality and incomes.
- Rebuild Household Financial Buffers: Incentivize financial savings for positive real returns, enforce RBI's macroprudential norms on unsecured loans and financial literacy, and expand social security coverage (health, pensions) to reduce precautionary saving.
- Ensure Price Stability & Predictability: Maintain a benign inflation regime with proactive food price management and ensure transparent, stable tax policy (GST, direct taxes) for long-term household planning.
- Foster Broad-Based, Inclusive Growth: Bridge the rural-urban divide with targeted infrastructure and support MSMEs via credit and global value chain integration to counter a K-shaped recovery.
- Strategic & Credible Fiscal Policy: Balance capital expenditure (capex) with human capital investment, commit to fiscal prudence to build buffers for counter-cyclical measures, and catalyze private investment with policy certainty.
Conclusion
While recent policy stimulus and low inflation have buoyed short-term consumption, India’s consumer confidence faces long-term stress from eroding household savings, rising debt, and uneven income growth. Sustainable confidence hinges on structural reforms that boost secure incomes, rebuild financial buffers, and ensure broad-based, inclusive economic expansion.
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Drishti Mains Question:
The resilience of India's consumption story is often questioned due to deteriorating household balance sheets. Suggest measures to ensure sustainable consumer confidence in the Indian economy.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What recent policies have supported consumer confidence in India?
Lower income tax rates, GST rationalisation, and RBI rate cuts reduced inflation and borrowing costs, boosting short-term consumption.
2. Why is recent rural wage growth considered fragile?
It is driven mainly by low inflation, not strong nominal income growth, making it vulnerable to future price rises.
3. What does a K-shaped recovery mean for consumption?
It indicates uneven recovery, where affluent households spend more while lower-income groups face stagnant demand.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
Mains
Q. Among several factors for India’s potential growth, the savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? (2017)
NATGRID–NPR Integration
03-01-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been linked to the National Population Register (NPR), allowing authorised agencies real-time access to family-level demographic data of nearly 119 crore residents, significantly expanding India’s intelligence and investigation architecture.
What are the Key Facts About National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)?
- NATGRID: It is a secure, integrated intelligence-sharing platform designed to help law enforcement and security agencies access multiple databases in real time for counter-terrorism and criminal investigations.
- NATGRID was conceived in 2009, in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks (2008), to overcome information silos among security agencies and enable faster, intelligence-led responses.
- It became operational in 2023 and currently processes around 45,000 data access requests per month from authorised agencies.
- Initially limited to 10 central agencies (IB, RAW, NIA, ED, FIU, NCB, DRI, etc.) had access. It has now been expanded to SP-rank officers of State police, strengthening Centre–State coordination.
- Key Tools: Advanced analytics tools like Gandiva support facial recognition, entity resolution, and multi-source data analysis, allowing investigators to identify suspects using images and family-linked NPR data.
- An Organised Crime Network Database is being developed on NATGRID to enable secure data-sharing between the NIA and State Anti-Terror Squads.
- Nature of Data Access: NATGRID allows access to Aadhaar, banking, tax, FASTag, passport, travel, Financial Intelligence Unit and social media data. The information is categorised as non-sensitive, sensitive, and highly sensitive (bank statements, financial and tax data, export-import details).
- Privacy and Safeguards: Each query is logged, purpose-based, and subject to senior officer oversight, but data access without a First Information Report (FIR) raises concerns over privacy, proportionality, and due process.
- Federal Dimension: States have been encouraged to actively use NATGRID, strengthening Centre–State intelligence coordination.
- NATGRID’s architecture is designed to integrate databases connected to nearly 14,000 police stations across the country.
National Population Register (NPR)
- The NPR is a nationwide database containing demographic and family-wise details of residents in India, including name, age, gender, address, and family relationships.
- NPR is the first step for the creation of a countrywide National Register of Citizens (NRC).
- The NPR is prepared under the provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. It is mandatory for every “usual resident of India” to register in the NPR.
- A usual resident is a person who has lived in a local area for six months or more, or intends to reside there for the next six months or more.
- NPR data was collected during the 2010–11 Census and last updated in 2015. no decision has been taken to update it during the upcoming Census 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is NATGRID and why was it created?
NATGRID is a secure intelligence-sharing platform conceived after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to break information silos and enable real-time data access for counter-terrorism and criminal investigations.
- What new capability does linking NATGRID with NPR provide?
It allows authorised agencies real-time access to family-level demographic data of residents, improving suspect identification and network analysis.
- Which law governs the National Population Register?
NPR is prepared under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2009)
- Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.
- Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Department of Rural Development: Year Ender 2025
03-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Department of Rural Development released its Year Ender 2025, highlighting major gains in rural connectivity, housing, livelihoods, employment, skilling, and social security, alongside the enactment of a new employment guarantee law- marking a significant push towards inclusive and resilient rural growth.
What were the Major Outcomes of India’s Rural Development Efforts in 2025?
- Rural Connectivity and Physical Infrastructure: Since its inception in 2000 the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has completed nearly 95% of sanctioned rural roads (7.87 lakh km) were completed, strengthening economic integration, border connectivity, and all-weather access.
- In 2025, high-performing states such as Tamil Nadu (highest number of roads laid), and Himachal Pradesh (highest road length) and Bihar (highest number of bridges constructed ) demonstrate region-specific gains, while focused investments in border, hilly, Left-wing extremists (LWE)-affected, and northeastern regions strengthened both economic integration and strategic access.
- Digital reforms like e-Bank Guarantees, and Standard Bidding Document (SBD) improved transparency and execution efficiency.
- Women-Centric Livelihood Transformation: The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) emerged as a cornerstone of inclusive growth by mobilising 10.05 crore women into 90.9 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs).
- The sharp decline in non-performing assets (NPAs) from 9.58% (2014) to 1.76% (2025) reflects institutional maturity, disproving the narrative that poor households are “high‑risk borrowers”.
- The creation of 2 crore Lakhpati Didis marks a structural shift from subsistence to sustainable income generation, corroborated by evidence of 19% income growth and 28% increase in savings (3ie–World Bank study).
- Housing Security and Human Development: Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) achieved large-scale housing outcomes with 3.86 crore houses sanctioned and 2.92 crore completed by December 2025, including 23.4 lakh houses completed in 2025 alone.
- Skill Development and Employment Linkages: Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) under National Rural Livelihood Mission strengthened placement-linked skilling by training around 82,000 rural youth in 2025, while cumulative placements reached 11.64 lakh.
- Complementing this, Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) trained 59 lakh rural youth, achieving 43 lakh settlements, with RSETI 2.0 enhancing credit linkage targets to 50%.
- Together, these schemes improved employability, entrepreneurship, and non-farm income diversification.
- Employment Security and Asset Creation: MGNREGS generated 161.6 crore person-days in FY 2025–26, with 56.73% women participation.
- The emphasis on productivity is evident in 49.62 lakh completed works, of which 60.59% were Category-B assets (community assets or individual assets for vulnerable sections) linked to agriculture and livelihoods.
- Digital interventions like National Mobile Monitoring System (95% attendance capture), GeoMGNREGA (6.44 crore assets geotagged), and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) (99% wage payments) enhanced transparency and reduced leakages.
- The Viksit Bharat- Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act, 2025 marked a paradigm shift by expanding the statutory employment guarantee to 125 days, embedding Gram Sabha-led, bottom-up planning through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs).
- These plans are aggregated into the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack (VBNRIS), which consolidates Gram Panchayat proposals at district and state levels.
- The Act aligns employment generation with durable asset creation and the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
- Social Security and Welfare Delivery: National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) operationalised Article 41 of the Constitution by supporting 3.01 crore beneficiaries in 2025–26.
- Near-universal digitisation, 91.45% Aadhaar seeding, and 44 lakh Digital Life Certifications improved inclusion and efficiency, while state top-ups enhanced pension adequacy.
- Governance and Cooperative Federalism: Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA) strengthened last-mile governance through district-level meetings, integrating 100 schemes from 35 ministries on a real-time dashboard.
- With district committees chaired by MPs and state-level committees led by Chief Ministers, DISHA institutionalised convergence, accountability, and cooperative federalism, improving coordination and on-ground delivery of rural development programmes.
Conclusion
Rural development outcomes in 2025 indicate a decisive shift from fragmented welfare delivery to an integrated, technology-enabled, and institution-driven development model. India is strengthening rural resilience, inclusiveness, and state capacity, aligning grassroots transformation with the long-term goal of Viksit Bharat.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. “Rural development in India is no longer about welfare delivery alone but about institution-building and resilience.” Discuss.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the significance of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025?
It expands the statutory rural employment guarantee to 125 days, integrates bottom-up planning via Gram Sabhas, and links employment with durable infrastructure creation.
- How did PMGSY contribute to rural connectivity by 2025?
Nearly 95% of sanctioned rural roads (7.87 lakh km) were completed, strengthening economic integration, border connectivity, and all-weather access.
- Why is DAY-NRLM considered transformative for rural women?
It mobilised 10.05 crore women into SHGs, reduced NPAs to 1.76%, and enabled 2 crore Lakhpati Didis, signalling sustainable income generation.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q1. Which of the following grants/grant direct credit assistance to rural households? (2013)
- Regional Rural Banks
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
- Land Development Banks
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Q2. How does the National Rural Livelihood Mission seek to improve livelihood options of rural poor? (2012)
- By setting up a large number of new manufacturing industries and agribusiness centres in rural areas
- By strengthening ‘self-help groups’ and providing skill development
- By supplying seeds, fertilisers, diesel pump-sets and micro-irrigation equipment free of cost to farmers
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Despite consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (2016)
World AIDS Day 2025
02-12-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organised the World AIDS Day 2025 observance under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response” and highlighted the national progress on AIDS control.
- In 1998, WHO marked the first World AIDS Day on 1st December to recognize the crucial role of civil society in driving a global response to HIV/AIDS.
What is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS?
- About: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, primarily damaging CD4 cells (white blood cells), weakening the body and making it vulnerable to infections and cancers.
- Transmission: Occurs via direct contact with infected bodily fluids (blood, semen, breast milk, vaginal fluids) like unprotected sex, shared needles, or unsterilized tattooing. It is not spread through casual contact.
- Symptoms: Early signs include fever and rash. Later stages may involve swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and diarrhea. Severe HIV can lead to opportunistic illnesses such as tuberculosis, meningitis, and cancers like lymphoma.
- Treatment: There is no cure. However, lifelong daily Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) effectively controls the virus.
- Global Response: UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 aims to end the HIV epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
What is India's National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)?
- About NCAP: National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) is India’s initiative for the prevention, control, and management of HIV/AIDS.
- It is implemented by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is the advanced, final stage of infection caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- Evolution of NACP: Launched in 1992, NACP has evolved through several phases, each with a strategic focus:
- NACP I (1992–1999): Launched India's first comprehensive programme to slow the spread of HIV.
- NACP II (1999–2006): Focused on reducing transmission and strengthening national capacity.
- NACP III (2007–2012): Aimed to halt and reverse the epidemic by scaling up prevention and integrating services.
- Established District AIDS Prevention and Control Units (DAPCUs).
- NACP IV (2012–2017 & extended to 2021): Accelerated reversal and integrated care.
- It aimed 50% reduction in new infections (compared to 2007 baseline)Key initiatives included:
- The HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, prohibiting discrimination.
- Mission Sampark to re-engage People Living with HIV (PLHIV) lost to follow-up.
- 'Test and Treat' policy and universal viral load monitoring.
- NACP V (2021–2026): A Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of over Rs 15,000 crore, aligning with SDG 3.3 to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

- Achievement of NACP:
- India’s HIV prevalence dropped from 0.33% in 2010 to 0.20% in 2024, far below the global average of 0.70%, showing India’s strong control over the epidemic.
- New HIV infections fell from 1.25 lakh in 2010 to 64,500 in 2024—a 49% decline, better than the global reduction of 40%.
- India now accounts for only 5% of global new infections (1.3 million in 2024), reflecting effective government efforts and wider ART access.
- Under NACP-V, HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore (2020-21) to 6.62 crore (2024-25), People on antiretroviral treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is HIV and how is it transmitted?
HIV attacks the immune system, primarily CD4 cells, and spreads via infected bodily fluids—blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. Casual contact does not transmit the virus.
Q. What is the primary goal of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) Phase-V?
NACP-V aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3, through comprehensive prevention, testing, and treatment.
Q. What are the key achievements of India under NACP-V?
HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore to 6.62 crore, ART coverage rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh, and viral load testing nearly doubled.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? (2013)
- Chikungunya
- Hepatitis B
- HIV-AIDS
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q. Which one of the following statements is not correct? (2019)
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses arc several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Ans: (b)
Q. With regard to the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which one of the following statements is not correct? (2010)
(a) The chances of transmission from female to male are twice as likely as from male to female
(b) The chances of transmission are more if a person suffers from other sexually transmitted infections
(c) An infected mother can transmit the infection to her baby during pregnancy, at childbirth and by breast feeding
(d) The risk of contracting infection from transfusion of infected blood is much higher than an exposure to contaminated needle
Ans: (a)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2010)
- Hepatitis B is several times more infectious than HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Assam’s Three-Tier Classification of STs
02-12-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
Assam is facing unrest after a Group of Ministers (GoM) proposed a new three-tier Scheduled Tribes (ST) classification to grant ST status to six communities. While the move has satisfied the applicant groups, it has triggered strong opposition from existing tribals, sparking protests across the state.
What did Assam’s GoM Recommend on ST Classification?
- The GoM proposed a three-tier ST structure:
- ST (Plains): Continues for existing tribal communities in the plains.
- ST (Hills): Remains unchanged for existing hill tribes.
- ST (Valley): Newly suggested category for the six communities demanding ST status: Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes/Adivasis.
- The GoM said this structure would let the state reorganise reservations without reducing the existing entitlements of ST (Plains) and ST (Hills).
- Separate quotas would apply for state jobs and education, but all groups would share a single ST list for central services.
- Notes that Parliament must pass special legislation for statutory approval of the three-tier classification.
How are Scheduled Tribes Notified in India?
- Article 366(25): “Scheduled Tribes” refers to the tribes or tribal groups that are recognised as STs under Article 342.
- Article 342: The President can notify which tribes or tribal groups are recognised as Scheduled Tribes for each State or Union Territory, after consulting the Governor.
- Any later inclusion or removal from this ST list can be done only by Parliament through legislation, not by executive notification.
- ST Categorization: The term “Scheduled Tribes” appears in the Constitution, but it does not lay down criteria for identifying them.
- The government set up the Lokur Committee in 1956, which defined a tribe using criteria such as primitive traits, a distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with the wider community, and social and economic backwardness.
- Before independence, the 1931 Census described such groups as “backward tribes” living in excluded or partially excluded areas.
- In State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh (2024), the Supreme Court upheld the validity of sub-classifying SCs and STs and allowed states to create sub-groups to ensure fair distribution of benefits.
- Reservation in Services/ Posts:
- Article 16(4): Permits reservations for backward classes who are inadequately represented in state services.
- Article 46: The State must promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections, especially SCs and STs, and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
- Article 335: The claims of SCs and STs must be considered in appointments to Union or State services, while maintaining administrative efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Who notifies Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution?
The President notifies STs for each State/UT after consulting the Governor (Article 342); additions/removals can be made only by Parliament through law.
Q. Does the Constitution define criteria for identifying Scheduled Tribes?
No — the Constitution names STs but does not define criteria; the Lokur Committee (1956) recommended criteria like primitive traits, distinct culture, geographic isolation and backwardness.
Q. Can states sub-classify SCs/STs for reservations?
Following State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh (2024), the Supreme Court upheld sub-classification and permitted states to create sub-groups to ensure equitable benefit distribution, subject to law and constitutional limits.
Summary
- Assam’s GoM has proposed a three-tier ST structure — ST (Plains), ST (Hills) and a new ST (Valley) — to include six additional communities.
- The proposal aims to reorganise state-level reservations while keeping existing ST quotas intact.
- Articles 342 and 366(25) outline how STs are notified: the President specifies them after consulting the Governor, and only Parliament can later add or remove groups.
- Articles 15(4), 16(4), 46 and 335 together empower reservation, welfare measures, and protection of SCs/STs while ensuring administrative efficiency.
- The Constitution does not define criteria for identifying STs. The Lokur Committee (1956) proposed criteria such as primitive traits, distinct culture, geographic isolation, shyness of contact and backwardness.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:
Prelims
Q.1 Consider the following pairs: (2013)
Tribe State
- Limboo (Limbu) - Sikkim
- Karbi - Himachal Pradesh
- Dongaria Kondh - Odisha
- Bonda - Tamil Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
Q.2 Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019)
- PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
- A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
- There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
- Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Q3. Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: (2023)
- The National Commission for Backward Classes
- The National Human Rights Commission
- The National Law Commission
- The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above constitutional bodies?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (a)
Aadi Vaani: AI Translator for Tribal Languages
02-09-2025
Source: TH
The Union government launched the beta version of Aadi Vaani, India’s First AI-powered Translator for Adivasi languages, to strengthen communication and capacity-building in tribal districts.
- Purpose: Translate speech and text between Hindi, English, and six Adivasi languages: Bhili, Mundari, Gondi, Santali, Kui, and Garo.
- AI Model & Target Use: Based on NLLB (No Language Left Behind) and IndicTrans2, adapted for low-resource languages.
- Tested through Adi Karmayogi, a nationwide capacity-building initiative in tribal districts covering 1 lakh villages and 20 lakh volunteers.
BHASHINI (BHASHa INterface for India)
- As a National Language Translation Mission, BHASHINI under Digital India, uses artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) to make digital content and services accessible in multiple Indian languages.
- It is implemented by the Digital India BHASHINI Division under the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
- Purpose: Provides translation across 22+ Indian languages, promoting digital inclusion and accessibility. BHASHINI aimed at democratizing access to digital content and services across India’s linguistic spectrum.
- Applications: Enables translation of text, video, documents, web content, and real-time speech, ensuring multilingual access and inclusivity.
- Integration with Government Platforms: Integrated with e-Shram, e-Gram Swaraj, CPGRAMS, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and University Grants Commission (UGC) for content translation.
Slums in Floodplains
02-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
A global study, published in Nature Cities, has revealed that India has the world’s highest number of slum clusters located in flood-prone areas.
What are the Global Trends in Flood Risk and Slum Settlements?
- Flood-exposed Slum Dwellers: India tops the global list, with over 158 million slum dwellers living in flood-prone areas, particularly in the Ganga River delta, which is naturally flood-prone.
- In India, 40% of slum dwellers live in urban and suburban areas, where flood risk is high due to overcrowded conditions and poorly managed infrastructure.
- India, followed by Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, has the largest numbers of vulnerable slum populations.
- Globally, slum-dwellers are 32% more likely to live in floodplains compared to other areas. These zones are often the only affordable housing option due to low land value.
- In cities like Mumbai and Jakarta (Indonesia), high flood risk correlates with high slum density.
- Disproportionate Vulnerability in the Global South: 33% of informal settlements in low- and middle-income countries lie in areas already exposed to flooding.
- Major hotspots outside South Asia include Rwanda, northern Morocco, and coastal Rio de Janeiro.
- Floods Amplify Socioeconomic Inequities: Slum dwellers face greater flood impacts like job loss, displacement, and poor access to healthcare and education due to weak infrastructure and lack of drainage or preparedness.
- Socioeconomic factors such as low education and limited access to resources like flood insurance increase their vulnerability.
Factors Responsible for Flooding in India
- Riverine Floods: Occur when rivers overflow their banks, usually due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or dam failure.
- Among the river basins, most of the observed flash floods occurred in the Brahmaputra River basin followed by Ganga and Krishna River basins. Himalayan regions face higher risk due to steep slopes.
- Urban Expansion: Cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai are expanding into floodplains, worsening flood risks. India ranked 3rd globally (1985–2015) in urban growth into flood-prone areas.
- Flash Floods Rising: Flash flood incidents rose from 132 (2020) to 184 (2022), driven by extreme rain and saturated soil. Major incidents seen in Himachal Pradesh (July 2025), Kerala’s Wayanad (July 2024), Ladakh (June 2024), and Sikkim (October 2023) highlight their growing severity.
- 75% of flash floods are due to a mix of extreme rain and saturated ground, not rainfall alone.
- Climate Change Impact: Extreme rainfall events have doubled (1981–2020); monsoon rains up by 56%, intensifying flood threats.
- Poor Drainage: Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru suffer from outdated or blocked drains, causing waterlogging during heavy rain.
- Weak Oversight: Encroachments and plastic waste block stormwater drains exacerbating urban flooding; e.g., Chennai 2015 floods worsened by clogged canals.
- Lack of Local Strategies: Absence of region-specific flood risk assessments hampers effective forecasting, land-use planning, and infrastructure upgrades.

What is the Status of Slums in India?
- Defining Slums: The Pranab Sen Committee (2010) defined slums as a compact settlement of at least 20 households, characterized by poorly built tenements, often of temporary nature, crowded together with inadequate sanitation and drinking water facilities, and typically in unhygienic conditions.
- UN-HABITAT defines slums as settlements lacking one or more of these conditions: durable housing, sufficient living area, access to clean water, access to proper sanitation and secure tenure.
- Slums in India: As per Census 2011, about 17% of India’s urban population lived in 1.39 crore slum households.
- The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), 2012 survey estimated 33,510 slums nationwide.
- Major states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal had the highest slum populations.
- Cities like Mumbai and Kolkata have high slum populations, highlighting the strong link between rapid urban growth and informal settlements.
- Regulation: ‘Land’ and ‘Colonisation’ are State subjects, so housing and slum rehabilitation are led by State/UT governments.
- The Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1956 aims to improve and clear slum areas in select Union Territories and protect tenants in these areas from eviction.
- Schemes Related to Slums:
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U): The PMAY Aims to provide pucca houses with basic amenities to eligible urban beneficiaries, including slum dwellers.
- As of December 2024, 118.64 lakh houses have been sanctioned, with 29 lakh for slum dwellers.
- Urban Infrastructure Development: Initiatives like AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) and Smart Cities Mission focus on improving infrastructure in urban poor areas, including drainage systems, water supply, and sanitation.
- Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban (SBM-U): The SBM-U 2.0 aims to make the city completely free of garbage.
What Measures can be Adopted for Sustainable Slum and Flood Management?
- Region-Specific Adaptation: Develop flood strategies based on topography and soil conditions, improving early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
- Restrict Urban Expansion in Floodplains: Enforce zoning laws under the Smart Cities Mission to restrict floodplain development and promote flood-resilient infrastructure.
- Integrate Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) such as permeable pavements, rain gardens, and green spaces to manage stormwater effectively.
- Upgrading Informal Settlements: Under PMAY improve flood resilience in slums through elevated housing, better drainage, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Data-Driven Risk Assessment: Use satellite imagery data from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), along with Integrated Flood Warning Systems like IFLOWS-Mumbai and CFLOWS-Chennai, to monitor urban growth, map flood risks, identify emerging hotspots, and strengthen flood forecasting.
- Adopt the Sponge City Concept: The Sponge City model uses natural and engineered systems to absorb and manage rainwater, reducing floods. Shanghai has implemented it with green roofs and permeable surfaces.
- Mumbai is now adopting this approach to boost flood resilience and recharge groundwater.
- Climate Change Adaptation & Restoration of Water Bodies Incorporate climate resilience into urban planning and restore urban lakes and wetlands for improved flood management.
- Bengaluru’s Jakkur Lake restoration shows how eco-restoration can help manage floods effectively.
Conclusion
As the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development deadline approaches, there is an urgent need to address flood vulnerability in slum settlements. Efforts must be accelerated to achieve SDG Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG Goal 1 (No Poverty), especially for communities already living in flood-exposed areas.
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Drishti Mains Question:
"The growth of informal settlements in flood-prone zones reflects the failure of urban governance in India." Discuss.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q. La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? (2011)
- La Nina is characterised by an usually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterised by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
- El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Mains:
Q. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (2023)
Q. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (2020)
Q. Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. (2013)
5 Years of NEP 2020
02-08-2025
For Prelims: National Education Policy (NEP 2020), PM SHRI, Right to Education Act, 2009, PARAKH, NISHTHA, PM e-VIDYA, DIKSHA, Vidya Samiksha Kendra, SDG, Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs)
For Mains: Key Achievements & Challenges Related to NEP 2020, Government Policies Related to Education, Measures to Strengthen NEP.
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Education Minister inaugurated the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) 2025 to mark the 5th anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
What are the Key Achievements of NEP 2020?
- Mother Tongue-Based Education & Curriculum Reform: The 5+3+3+4 structure and NCF-SE (National Curriculum Framework for School Education) promote experiential, competency-based learning with mother tongue as the medium of instruction in early years.
- Inclusivity: Over 1.15 lakh students from SEDG (Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups) and 7.58 lakh girls have enrolled in residential schools.
- The PRASHAST App supports disability screening.
- Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN): NIPUN Bharat and Vidya Pravesh have reached over 4.2 crore students across 8.9 lakh schools.
- Teacher Training: 4 lakh+ teachers trained under NISHTHA via digital platforms like DIKSHA, and PM e-Vidya.
- Multidisciplinary & Holistic Higher Education: NEP 2020 promotes Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs) to provide world-class education.
- Introduction of Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) enables flexible learning and credit transfer and emphasis on Multiple Entry and Exit systems.
- 72% of schools have internet access. Initiatives like Vidyanjali, DIKSHA, PM e-Vidya, e-Jaadui Pitara (AI-powered play-based learning), and AI Bots (e.g., Katha Sakhi, Teacher Tara) are enhancing education delivery.
- Common Testing: CUET, introduced in 2022, has become a key gateway for undergraduate admissions.
What is the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?
- About: The National Education Policy 2020 aims to address issues of quality, equity, access, and affordability across all levels of education. It replaced the 34-year-old NEP of 1986.
 2020.webp)

What are the Key Challenges Related to the NEP 2020?
- Lack of Consensus: NEP implementation varies across states, with opposition from states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal over provisions like the three-language formula, mother tongue instruction, and common entrance tests.
- Infrastructure & Financial Constraints: There are shortages of qualified teachers, poor digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and inadequate Anganwadi preparedness for quality Balvatika (pre-primary) education.
- Public spending on education remains below NEP’s 6% of GDP target, with budgetary allocations falling short of supporting the policy’s ambitious reforms.
- Regulatory & Linguistic Barriers: The establishment of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), intended as a successor to the UGC (University Grants Commission), and the rollout of the National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education have both experienced delays.
- Additionally, translating educational content into diverse Indian languages and the shortage of regionally fluent teachers pose major implementation challenges.
- Resistance & Weak Monitoring: Institutional resistance to pedagogical reforms and apprehensions about over-centralisation (e.g., CUET) hamper adoption.
- Also, the lack of robust data systems and uneven implementation hinder effective monitoring and evaluation of NEP 2020 outcomes.
What Steps are Needed to Strengthen the Implementation of NEP 2020?
- Enhance Research & Innovation: Invest in research at the technology-pedagogy interface for evidence-based, context-specific innovations.
- Digital Infrastructure Gap: There is an urgent need to upgrade school-level ICT infrastructure, as only 57.2% schools have functional computers and 53.9% have internet access (UDISE+ 2023–24).
- Teacher Training: Enhance capacity-building for tech integration, promoting creativity, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Foster cooperation among educators, technologists, social scientists, and policymakers to steer future-ready learning ecosystems.
Conclusion
NEP 2020 provides a transformative vision for a 21st-century education system. Notable progress includes Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN), digital access, and higher education reforms. However, federal disagreements, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory delays remain key challenges. With strategic investment, inter-governmental coordination, and innovation, NEP’s goals of a flexible, inclusive, and future-ready education ecosystem can be achieved.
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Drishti Mains Question:
What are the key features of National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Critically analyze the impact of NEP 2020 on federalism.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Mains
Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (2020)
India's Resolution on the 'Wise Use of Wetlands' Adopted at Ramsar COP15
02-08-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India’s resolution on the ‘‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands’’ was adopted at the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
What is India’s Resolution on the Wise Use of Wetlands?
- About: India’s resolution builds upon UN Environment Assembly Resolution 6/8 on ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles’ adopted in 2024 and promotes a whole-of-society approach to wetlands conservation.
- Key Provisions:
- Alignment with Global Frameworks: India’s resolution aligns with Resolution XIV.8. It also supports the 10-Year Framework on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP).
- Resolution XIV.8, adopted at the COP14 of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, outlines a "new CEPA approach", which focuses on Communication, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) for wetland conservation and wise use.
- 10YFP is a global framework adopted at the Rio+20 Conference in 2012 to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns.
- Integration of sustainability: Urges voluntary integration of sustainable lifestyle-based interventions into wetland plans, programmes, and investments.
- Mission LiFE Linkage: Builds on India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a movement for pro-planet behaviour, launched at UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26).
- Behavioral Change Focus: Encourages conscious consumption, waste reduction, and actions that minimise environmental degradation.
Wise Use of Wetlands
- The Ramsar Convention (1971) defines wise use of wetlands as “the maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development”.
- India’s Approach to Wise Use: India released the “Wetland Wise Use – An Implementation Framework (2024)”, which aims to clarify the concept of wise use and provide a practical roadmap for achieving it across wetlands in the country.
- Under initiatives like Mission Sahbhagita and the Save Wetlands Campaign, over 2 million citizens have volunteered in the past three years, leading to the mapping of more than 1.7 lakh wetlands and boundary demarcation of nearly 1.2 lakh.
- Additionally, the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) continues to guide restoration and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.
- The Amrit Dharohar Scheme supports wetlands through eco-tourism, community-based livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage.
What are the Key Outcomes of Ramsar COP15?
- Victoria Falls Declaration: It underscores the need for political commitment, increased resource mobilisation, and investment in wetland management.
- Adoption of 13 Resolutions: The parties also agreed to strengthen flyway conservation for migratory birds, establish the Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership, and protect species like river dolphins.
- Notably, a resolution on wetland restoration was adopted, urging the development of national policies for restoring degraded freshwater ecosystems.
- A resolution was adopted to refine criteria for designating Wetlands of International Importance, based on IUCN Red List data and input from IUCN Specialist Groups.
- Resolutions also recognised the role of indigenous knowledge and local communities in sustainable wetland management.
- 5th Ramsar Strategic Plan: Parties adopted the 5th Strategic Plan with 4 goals and 18 targets. The STRP (Scientific and Technical Review Panel) will monitor progress.

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Drishti Mains Question:
The concept of ‘wise use’ of wetlands is central to the Ramsar Convention. Examine India’s approach towards ensuring the wise use of wetlands.
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement? (2022)
a. The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation.
b. Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive.
c. Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and Soil stabilization.
d. Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
Ans: (d)
Q. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?(2014)
(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation.Cite two Examples of Ramsar site from India. (2018)
Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025
02-08-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
Key provisions of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 have come into force, aiming to enhance banking governance, improve audit transparency, strengthen depositor protection, and bring cooperative banks under a more robust regulatory framework.
What is Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025?
- About: The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 is a legislative reform enacted to modernize and strengthen the legal, regulatory, and governance framework of the Indian banking sector.
- The bill related to it was passed by Lok Sabha in December 2024 and by Rajya Sabha in March 2025.
- Key Amendments:
- It introduced 19 amendments across following 5 core banking legislations:
- Key Reforms:
- Revised Substantial Interest Threshold: The threshold for determining ‘substantial interest’ has been revised from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 2 crore (which remained unchanged since 1968), aligning with present-day economic realities.
- ‘Substantial interest’ refers to a director's or officer's significant financial stake in a firm, which may cause a conflict of interest. It is determined by the paid-up share capital held by them or their relatives exceeding the specified limit.
- Cooperative Bank Reforms: Director tenures in cooperative banks extended from 8 to 10 years (excluding chairperson and whole-time directors), aligning with the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011 and promoting governance continuity.
- Under 97th CAA, 2011, the right to form cooperative societies was included as Right to Freedom under Article 19(1).
- Investor Protection & Fund Transparency: Public sector banks (PSBs) can transfer unclaimed shares, interests, and bonds to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).
- It is in parity with Companies Act, 2013 norms to enhance transparency and depositor awareness.
- Audit Quality in PSBs: Authorizes PSBs to determine and provide remuneration to statutory auditors.
- It aims to attract high-quality audit professionals, improve audit standards, and promote financial transparency in public sector banking.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to ‘Urban Cooperative Banks’ in India, consider the following statements: (2021)
- They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.
- They can issue equity shares and preference shares.
- They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements are correct? (2022)
- The Governor of RBI is the Chairman of BBB.
- BBB recommends for the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks.
- BBB helps the Public Sector Banks in developing strategies and capital raising plans.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Coking Coal Declared a Critical Mineral
02-02-2026
Source: PIB
The Government of India has declared Coking Coal a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR) to reduce import reliance and support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Using Section 11C of the MMDR Act, 1957 the government amended its First Schedule to explicitly include "Coking Coal" within the definition of "Coal" in Part A and to list it separately as a Critical and Strategic Mineral in Part D.
Coking Coal
- About: Coking coal (metallurgical coal) is a specialized grade of bituminous coal that undergoes carbonization to produce coke, an irreplaceable material for reducing iron ore to pig iron in traditional blast furnace steelmaking.
- Properties: Its value lies in unique caking properties (softening and swelling when heated) and low impurities (low ash, sulfur, phosphorus).
- Steel Production Link: Approximately 780 kg of coking coal is needed to produce one tonne of steel, underscoring its direct strategic importance to the steel industry.
- Global Production: The largest producers of coking coal include China, Australia, Russia, USA and Canada.
- Indian Scenario: India, the world’s 2nd-largest crude steel producer, is heavily dependent on imported coking coal, with nearly 95% of the steel sector’s requirement met through imports, a significant share of which comes from Australia.
- Coking coal imports have increased steadily, reaching 57.58 million tonnes in 2024–25, highlighting India’s growing import dependence despite substantial domestic resources.
- India holds an estimated 37.37 billion tonnes of coking coal resources, primarily in Jharkhand, with reserves in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.
BEE Standards and Labelling Programme
02-01-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has tightened India’s energy efficiency regime by making star labelling mandatory for a wider range of appliances, thereby expanding compulsory energy performance disclosure under the Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme.
What is the BEE’s Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme?
- Background: Launched in 2006 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and implemented by the BEE.
- Objective: S&L Programme enables informed consumer choice, reduces electricity consumption and energy bills, and encourages manufacturers to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
- Star Labelling System: A key feature of the programme is the star labelling system, which rates appliances on a scale of one to five stars based on their energy efficiency.
- Five stars indicating the most energy-efficient product within a given category, making efficiency comparison simple and visual for consumers.
- Under the programme, appliances are tested against prescribed Indian Standards and assigned star ratings based on their energy consumption and performance parameters, with labels displaying essential information such as star rating, annual energy use, product category, and brand.
- Coverage: The programme covers a wide range of household appliances and industrial equipment, with some products brought under mandatory star labelling and others under voluntary labelling, depending on government notifications and market readiness.
- Labels under the S&L Programme:
- Comparative Label: Shows 1–5 star ratings to compare energy efficiency among models of the same product category. It helps consumers easily identify the most energy-efficient appliance.
- Endorsement Label: Certifies products that meet minimum energy performance standards notified by BEE. It assures compliance with efficiency norms rather than comparison.
- Dynamic Nature: To keep pace with technological advancements, BEE periodically revises star rating criteria, ensuring that efficiency benchmarks remain relevant and that manufacturers continuously improve product efficiency.
- Significance: It plays a crucial role in curbing national electricity demand, lowering consumer power bills, and cutting carbon emissions. Notably, Standards and Labelling (S&L) programmes have already reduced around 60 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, while also strengthening India’s long-term energy security.

India’s Energy Efficiency Initiatives
- National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE): It is one of the eight national missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). NMEEE consist of four initiatives to enhance energy efficiency in energy intensive industries which are as follows:
- Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Improves efficiency in energy-intensive industries through mandatory targets and tradable Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts).
- Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP): Facilitates access to finance for energy efficiency projects by connecting project developers with financial institutions.
- Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency (MTEE): Encourages uptake of super-efficient technologies through policy and financial interventions.
- Framework for Energy Efficient Economic Development (FEEED): It provides partial credit guarantees to cover default risk on energy efficiency loans, with guarantees for up to 5 years and 40–75% of the loan amount or Rs 15 crore per project.

- Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017: Sets minimum energy performance standards for commercial buildings to curb energy use.
- Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA): Accelerates adoption of LED lighting and efficient fans to reduce household bills and peak power demand.
- Bachat Lamp Yojna (BLY): The programme was developed for replacement of inefficient bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs).
- Street Lighting National Programme: Its objectives include reducing energy consumption, lowering operational costs for municipalities, and fostering a market transformation towards energy-efficient appliances.
- BEE State Energy Efficiency Index: It assesses and compares the energy efficiency performance of Indian States and Union Territories, enabling data-driven monitoring, healthy inter-state competition, and identification of best practices and policy gaps across key sectors.
- States are classified into Front Runners (>60%), Achievers (50-60%), Contenders (30-50%), and Aspirants (<30%), reflecting their relative progress.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
- The BEE under the Ministry of Power, was established in 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001
- BEE’s vision is to drive accelerated and sustained adoption of energy efficiency across sectors, contributing to India’s sustainable development.
- The BEE performs key regulatory functions that include developing minimum energy performance standards and star labelling for appliances, formulating Energy Conservation Building Codes, and prescribing energy consumption norms for designated consumers.
- It also certifies and accredits Energy Managers and Energy Auditors, defines the manner and periodicity of mandatory energy audits for tracking energy use and implementation of audit recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme?
It is an energy efficiency programme launched in 2006 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 to rate appliances on a 1–5 star scale based on energy performance.
- Who implements the S&L Programme in India?
The programme is implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power.
- Why is expansion of mandatory star labelling significant?
It improves transparency, reduces electricity demand, lowers consumer bills, and has already cut about 60 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
- What is the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)?
NMEEE is a mission under NAPCC focusing on industrial and market-based energy efficiency through PAT, MTEE, EEFP, and FEEED.
- What is the purpose of the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI)?
It assesses and compares energy efficiency performance of States and UTs, encouraging data-driven governance and healthy competition.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:
Prelims
Q. With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? ( 2021)
- Sodium lamps produce light at 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
- As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer lifespan than LED lamps.
- The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic, while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Q. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? (2016)
- Ceiling fans
- Electric geysers
- Tubular fluorescent lamps
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Navigating the Coal Transition for Energy Security
01-12-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The government has allowed private entities, accredited by the Quality Council of India (QCI), to serve as Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) and carry out prospecting work under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
- It will boost coal availability, strengthen energy security, and support India’s economic growth through a more transparent and efficient mineral exploration framework.
What Role does Coal Play in India's Energy Security?
- Bedrock of Energy Security: Coal remains essential to energy security—contributing 55% to India’s energy mix and fuelling over 74% of electricity generation.
- Unlike intermittent renewables, coal-fired power plants provide stable, and reliable power, essential for grid stability and meeting India’s continuous electricity demand.
- Crucial Driver of the Economy: The coal sector generates over Rs 70,000 crore annually for central and state governments through royalties, GST, and levies.
- As the largest commodity transported by Indian Railways (49% of freight earnings), coal revenue also subsidizes passenger fares, making it crucial for the transport ecosystem.
- Key Input for Core Industries: Coking coal is essential for steel production, forming about 42% of steel costs, while coal also fuels cement kilns, making it crucial for construction and infrastructure.
- Major Source of Employment: Coal India Ltd directly employs over 2.39 lakh people, with millions more working indirectly in contracting, transport, equipment manufacturing, and related services.
- Foundation of Sustainability: The government is promoting coal gasification through an Rs 8,500 crore incentive, converting coal into syngas for cleaner fuels, and methanol, reducing its carbon footprint.
- Revenue from coal supports renewable energy expansion, with NTPC planning 60 GW RE capacity by 2032, nearly 45% of its total generation.
What are the Key Facts Regarding the Coal Sector in India?
- About Coal: Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock made mostly of carbon and is considered a fossil fuel because it formed from ancient plant remains.
- Over millions of years, layers of sediment buried this material, and the pressure and heat removed water and gases, increasing carbon content and gradually transforming peat into different grades of coal.
- Grades of Coal: Coal is classified according to its carbon content, heat value, and energy output, with the main types being:
- Anthracite: It contains 86%–97% carbon and generally has the highest heating value of all ranks of coal. Found primarily in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Bituminous: It contains 45%–86% carbon. Found predominantly in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Subbituminous: It typically contains 35%–45% carbon, and it has a lower heating value than bituminous coal.
- Lignite (Brown Coal): It contains 25%–35% carbon. It has high moisture (30–55%), high volatile matter, and low ash content, making it inferior to higher-rank coals in heating value and stability.
- It is light, porous, and friable, and cannot be transported over long distances due to the risk of spontaneous combustion.
- Found in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Coal Reserves in India: India holds the 5th-largest coal reserves and is the 2nd-largest consumer globally.
- The top 3 states—Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh—together account for about 69% of the country’s total coal reserves.
- India’s Coal Production: Coal production reached 1,047 Million Tonnes (MT) in FY 2024-25, marking a 4.99% growth from 997 MT the previous year.
- Coal Imports: Coal imports fell by 8.4% to 183 MT in April–December 2024, saving USD 5.43 billion in foreign exchange.
What are the Major Challenges Facing India's Coal Sector?
- Environmental Damage: Coal-based Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) emit disproportionately more than the industrial sector, contributing 60% of PM, 45% of SO₂, 30% of NO₂, and 80% of mercury (Hg).
- All power plants in India use enough water to meet the needs of 251 million people, according to Greenpeace.
- Severe Public Health Consequences: In 2022, fossil fuel air pollution in India led to 1.72 million deaths and millions of cases of asthma, respiratory, and cardiovascular illnesses, according to The Lancet Countdown 2025.
- Import Dependence for High-Grade Coal: India depends on imports for high-grade coking and thermal coal, with 85% of coking coal imported, exposing the economy to price volatility and foreign exchange outflow.
- Stranded Asset Risk: With falling solar and wind costs, building new coal plants is becoming uneconomical, and existing plants risk becoming stranded assets.
- About two-thirds of India’s coal power is now more expensive than renewables, costing the country billions annually, according to Greenpeace.
- Long-Term Transition Challenge: The phase-out of coal poses a critical challenge to ensure a just transition for millions of workers and communities reliant on the sector, requiring reskilling and alternative employment.
How can India Navigate a Just Transition from Coal to a Renewable Energy Dominated Future?
- Phased Reduction of Coal Dependence: Phase out coal power gradually, retiring inefficient, high-polluting plants, and adopt cleaner technologies like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) to reduce emissions during the transition.
- Advanced Pollution Control Technologies: Enforce and monitor Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems and other emission controls in all thermal plants; these scrub SO₂ from flue gas, reducing a major air pollutant that causes respiratory issues.
- Accelerating Renewable-Centric System: Rapidly expand solar and wind power, leveraging India’s natural advantages. India aims for 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and has already surpassed 190 GW by mid-2025 across solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear.
- Build Robust Energy Storage: Invest in a green energy corridor to transmit renewable power and support Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and pumped hydro for grid stability.
- The government’s Scheme for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for development of BESS plans 4,000 MWh of BESS by 2030–31, funding up to 40% of capital costs.
- Leverage Coal for Grid Stability: Strategically reposition coal-based power plants to operate as flexible peaking power sources that can be ramped up quickly when renewable generation is low (e.g., at night or during monsoons), ensuring grid stability and a reliable 24/7 power supply.
Conclusion
India's coal sector remains vital for energy security and the economy, but it faces unsustainable environmental and economic costs. The future hinges on a dual strategy: responsibly managing coal as a transitional, flexible power source while aggressively scaling up renewables and storage for a sustainable, self-reliant energy future.
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Drishti Mains Question:
"Coal is the bedrock of India's energy security, but its long-term sustainability is questionable." Critically analyze this statement in the context of India's developmental and environmental goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the significance of coal in India’s energy mix?
Coal contributes 55% to India’s energy mix and fuels over 74% of electricity generation, providing stable, reliable power essential for grid stability.
Q. Which Indian states hold the largest coal reserves?
Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh together account for 69% of India’s total coal reserves.
Q. How is the government promoting cleaner use of coal?
Through initiatives like a Rs 8,500 crore viability gap funding scheme for coal gasification, which converts coal to syngas for cleaner fuels and chemicals, reducing its direct carbon footprint.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. Consider the following statements: (2019)
- Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
- Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
- Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Q2. Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal? (2013)
- High ash content
- Low sulphur content
- Low ash fusion temperature
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (2021)
Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (2017)
India’s manufacturing sector shows momentum but faces persistent bottlenecks
01-10-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, which allows the government to act pre-emptively against individuals considered a threat to public order or national security.
What is Preventive Detention?
- About: Preventive detention means holding a person not for a crime already committed, but to prevent possible future actions that may threaten public order, security, or essential supplies.
- Preventive detention is anticipatory, imposed based on the likelihood of harmful actions in the future, while punitive detention is imposed as punishment after conviction through due legal process.
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 22 explicitly permits preventive detention in India. A person can be detained for up to 3 months without approval from an Advisory Board (comprising High Court–qualified judges).
- For detention beyond 3 months, approval of an Advisory Board is required.
- Parliament may prescribe conditions for detention beyond 3 months, set maximum periods, and lay down Advisory Board procedures.
- The detained person must be informed of the grounds of detention, though certain facts may be withheld in the public interest.
- The detainee should be given the earliest opportunity to challenge the order through a representation.
- Significance: Preventive detention supports Article 355, which mandates that the Union must protect states against external aggression and internal disturbances and ensure state governments function according to the Constitution.
- Key Laws Related to Preventive Detention in India:
- Supreme Court on Preventive Detention:
- Ameena Begum vs The State of Telangana (2023): The court held that preventive detention is an exceptional measure meant for emergency situations and should not be used routinely.
- Rekha vs State of Tamil Nadu (2011): SC ruled that preventive detention is an exception to Article 21 and should be applied rarely and only in exceptional cases.
- Anukul Chandra Pradhan, Advocate v. Union Of India & Ors (1997): Emphasised that the purpose of preventive detention is to prevent harm to the security of the state, rather than to impose punishment.
What is the National Security Act,1980?
- Background: Preventive detention in India dates back to colonial times, when it was used to curb dissent during wars. After Independence, Parliament enacted the Preventive Detention Act, 1950, followed by the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), 1971, which was widely misused during the Emergency before being repealed in 1978.
- In 1980, the National Security Act (NSA) was introduced. It empowers the Centre, states, District Magistrates, and authorised Police Commissioners to detain individuals to prevent actions “prejudicial to India’s defence, foreign relations, security, public order, or essential supplies.”
- Detention Orders: A detention order under the NSA functions like a warrant of arrest. Once detained, a person can be held in designated places, moved across states, and subjected to conditions set by the government.
- Procedural Requirements: Grounds of detention must be communicated within 5 to 15 days. The detainee can submit a representation to the government. An Advisory Board of High Court judges must review the case within 3 weeks.
- If the Board finds “no sufficient cause,” the detainee must be released.
- Maximum detention period is 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier.
- Limitations of Safeguards: Detainees cannot have legal representation before the Advisory Board. The government can withhold certain facts citing “public interest.” These provisions leave considerable discretion in the hands of authorities, raising concerns about potential misuse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is preventive detention under Indian law?
Holding a person to prevent potential threats to public order, security, or essential supplies, not as punishment.
2. Which constitutional provision governs preventive detention in India?
Article 22 permits preventive detention, allowing up to 3 months without Advisory Board approval and longer detention with review by an Advisory Board of High Court judges.
3. What is the National Security Act,1980?
The NSA is a preventive detention law that allows authorities to detain individuals to protect India’s security, public order, and essential supplies.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements:
- According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances.
- The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held under preventive detention.
- According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), 2002, a confession made by the accused to the police cannot be used as evidence.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: B
Empowering Women in Agriculture
01-10-2025
For Prelims: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana, Kisan Credit Cards, Tea, Coffee, Gram Panchayats, Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations, BHASHINI, Digital Sakhi, e-NAM.
For Mains: Status of Feminisation of Indian Agriculture, Challenges in Women's Agricultural Empowerment, Systemic Barriers to Women's Progress, Government Initiatives for Women Farmers, Strategies for Future Empowerment.
Source: TH
Why in News?
As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, women’s participation in agriculture has increased significantly, however, nearly half of them continue to remain unpaid, reflecting deep-rooted gender disparities in farm employment.
What is the Status of Women in Agriculture Across India?
- Feminisation of Agriculture: Women now make up over 42% of India’s agricultural workforce, a 135% increase in the past decade. Two out of three rural women work in agriculture.
- Prevalence of Unpaid Work: Nearly half of women in agriculture are unpaid family workers, rising from 23.6 million to 59.1 million over eight years (2017-18 to 2024-25).
- Regional Concentration: In states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, more than 80% of women workers are in agriculture, however, over half remain unpaid.
- Government Support: Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana, Kisan Credit Cards, and Self-Help Groups collectively empower women farmers through skill development, access to formal credit, sustainable agriculture, and strengthened collective bargaining.
What Factors are Leading to Feminisation of Agriculture in India?
- Male Out-Migration: Men are migrating to cities or shifting to more lucrative rural jobs (construction, services, transport, government), leaving women to manage and work on family farms.
- Growth of the Contract Farming: Sectors like floriculture, horticulture, and tea/coffee plantations prefer women for labor-intensive tasks, viewing them as reliable, skilled, and willing to accept lower wages.
- Patriarchal Norms: Society expects women to handle home and light farm work, treating their farm labor as part of household duties or assisting men.
- Limited Alternative Opportunities: Lower literacy, restricted mobility, and social norms limit women's non-farm employment, making agriculture one of the few acceptable and accessible livelihoods in rural areas.
What are the Systemic Barriers Limiting Women’s Progress in Agriculture?
Mnemonic: WOMEN
- W - Wage Discrimination: Women in India earn 20-30% less than men, highlighting gender wage gaps and economic inequality, which limit economic empowerment.
- O - Omission from Decision-Making: Agricultural extension officers are predominantly male, excluding women from knowledge on seeds, pesticides, and sustainable practices, while their opinions are often overlooked in Gram Panchayats and farmer cooperatives.
- M - Machinery and Tool Mismatch: Farm machinery such as tractors, harvesters, and threshers is designed for male physiques, while women often lack the strength, training, or financial means to operate or access it.
- E - Entrenched Domestic Double Burden: Restricted mobility and time poverty from domestic chores, and childcare limit women’s access to markets, skill development, and community participation.
- N - Negation of Land and Identity Rights: Women own only 13-14% of land holdings, and without land titles, they are seen as cultivators rather than farmers, limiting access to credit, government schemes, and independent decision-making.

What Measures can Effectively Ensure the Empowerment of Women Farmers in India?
Mnemonic: GROW
- G - Guarantee Market Access: Free Trade Agreement (FTAs) like the one with the UK, expected to raise agricultural exports by 20%, should focus on women-intensive sectors such as tea, spices, and dairy, and support women in exporting premium products like organic foods and GI-tagged goods, using their traditional knowledge.
- R - Resource Rights and Reforms: Promote joint or individual land ownership for women to enhance access to credit, insurance, and government support, and systematically scale proven women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and SHGs to achieve economies of scale.
- O - Open Digital Gateways: Scale up digital platforms like e-NAM, promote voice-first AI like BHASHINI, Jugalbandi, and Digital Sakhi for digital and financial literacy.
- W - Well-being and Social Support: Provide creche facilities near farms, water supply, and clean energy to reduce women’s time poverty, while using media campaigns and awards to brand women farmers as role models.
Conclusion
To harness the potential of feminising agriculture, India must transition from recognizing women's labor to empowering them as economic agents. This requires dismantling systemic barriers like land rights denial and wage gaps, while actively promoting their access to technology, markets, and decision-making roles for inclusive growth.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. "The feminisation of agriculture in India has reinforced existing inequities rather than empowering women." Critically examine this statement and suggest measures for a gender-inclusive agricultural growth model.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Feminisation of Agriculture?
Ans: The feminisation of agriculture refers to the increasing participation of women in agricultural labor due to the migration of men to non-farm jobs.
2. What is the current share of women in India’s agricultural workforce?
Ans: Women now constitute over 42% of India’s agricultural workforce, marking a 135% increase in the past decade.
3. Which factors are driving the feminisation of agriculture in India?
Ans: Male out-migration, growth of contract farming, patriarchal norms, and limited non-farm opportunities for women are key drivers.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q. With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture? (2018)
- Avoiding the monoculture practices
- Adopting minimum tillage.
- Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
- Using crop residues to cover soil surface
- Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
Ans: (c)
Mains:
Q. Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. (2014)
Wassenaar Arrangement
01-10-2025
Source:TH
Why in News?
Protests erupted against Microsoft after allegations that its Azure cloud services were used to support Israeli military operations in Palestine, causing civilian harm and raising concerns over loopholes in the Wassenaar Arrangement’s export control framework.
What is Wassenaar Arrangement?
- About: The Wassenaar Arrangement is the first multilateral body focused on export controls for conventional arms and dual-use (civilian and potential military applications) technologies.
- Objective: The Arrangement aims to enhance regional and international security by promoting transparency and responsibility among participating states and coordinating policies to prevent sensitive technologies from reaching countries that could threaten security.
- Structure and Governance:
- Plenary: It is the main decision-making body. The Chair rotates yearly, India chaired the plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2023.
- Secretariat: Based in Vienna, Austria, supports all Arrangement functions.
- Members: 42 countries, India joined in 2017.
- Working Procedure: Its control framework includes the Munitions List, covering items like tanks, combat aircraft, and small arms.
- Dual-Use List, which includes technologies with both civilian and potential military applications.
- Participating states agree on control lists and share information, while each government retains full discretion over licensing, implementation, and enforcement of the rules.
- Scope: Originally, the Arrangement focused on physical exports (devices, chips, hardware). In 2013, the Arrangement expanded to include “intrusion software”, i.e., software that bypasses network security or enables cyber-surveillance.
India and Wassenaar Arrangement

What are the Challenges facing the Wassenaar Arrangement?
- Outdated Focus on Physical Exports: Originally designed to control hardware, chips, and devices, not cloud services or digital technologies.
- Modern software, Software as a Service (SaaS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools fall into grey areas not explicitly regulated under the arrangement.
- Current control lists do not cover mass surveillance, profiling, cross-border data systems, or human rights abuses. Technologies that can be misused for repression are often outside the scope of the Arrangement.
- Ambiguity Around Cloud and Remote Access: Traditional rules of Wassenaar Arrangement do not treat remote access, Application Programming Interface (API) calls, or administrative rights as exports.
- This allows companies or states to bypass control regimes while enabling potentially risky technology transfers.
- Voluntary Nature and Lack of Enforcement: The Arrangement is based on consensus; any member can block changes. Domestic implementation varies by country, leading to patchy coverage and inconsistent enforcement.
- Cloud services, AI, and cyber tools evolve faster than the consensus-based decision-making process. There is no mechanism to fast-track urgent updates or sunset outdated controls, making the regime less relevant.
- Divergent National Interpretations: Under the Wassenaar Arrangement each country interprets and implements the rules differently, creating loopholes for defensive research or internal transfers.
- No standardized system exists to coordinate cross-border licensing or track high-risk users.
- Limited Human Rights Consideration: Licensing decisions under Wassenaar Arrangement often focus on military use or weapon of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation rather than the risk of civilian harm, surveillance abuse, or discrimination.
What Measures can Strengthen the Wassenaar Arrangement?
- Expand the Scope of Controlled Technologies: Include cloud infrastructure, AI systems, digital surveillance tools, biometric systems, and cross-border data transfers. Clearly define benign versus malicious uses to avoid over-regulating legitimate applications.
- Learn from the EU dual-use regulations that treat cloud transmissions as potentially controlled technologies.
- Redefine “Export” for the Digital Era: Treat remote access, API calls, software-as-a-service invocation, and administrative rights as equivalent to physical exports.
- Ensure that virtual or cloud-based transfers fall under control regulations to close loopholes.
- Introduce Binding Rules and Minimum Standards: Move beyond voluntary commitments to mandatory licensing standards. Implement peer review mechanisms to ensure compliance across member states.
- Establish shared watchlists of high-risk users or entities. Enable real-time red alerts and technical interoperability standards among licensing authorities. Align national licensing policies to mitigate cross-border risks effectively.
- Make Governance Agile and Responsive: Create a specialized technical committee or secretariat to fast-track interim updates. Host domain-specific regimes for AI, cyber weapons, and digital surveillance technologies that can evolve faster than the general Arrangement.
- Integrate Human Rights and Risk Assessment: Consider user identity, jurisdiction, oversight, legal mandate, and misuse potential in licensing decisions.
- Ensure technology control is not only about military use or WMDs but also prevents mass human rights abuses.
Conclusion
The Wassenaar Arrangement, while foundational for global export controls, struggles to keep pace with rapidly evolving cloud and digital technologies. Strengthening the regime with binding rules, agile oversight, and end-use controls is essential to prevent misuse and safeguard human rights.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Evaluate the role of the Wassenaar Arrangement in promoting global security and non-proliferation. How has its relevance evolved in the digital and cloud era?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?
A 1996 multilateral regime controlling conventional arms and dual-use technologies to enhance global security.
2. Which lists are maintained under the Wassenaar Arrangement?
Munitions List (tanks, aircraft, small arms) and Dual-Use List (civilian/military tech).
3. Why is the Wassenaar Arrangement’s relevance challenged today?
It struggles with cloud, AI, and digital surveillance technologies, has a voluntary consensus-based framework, inconsistent national implementation, and limited human rights considerations.
4. What reforms can strengthen the Wassenaar Arrangement?
Expand scope to digital/cloud tech, redefine “export,” introduce binding rules, enforce real-time watchlists, integrate human rights and risk-based licensing.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Recently the USA decided to support India’s membership in multi-lateral export control regimes called the “Australia Group” and the “Wassenaar Arrangements”. What is the difference between them ? (2011)
1. The Australia Group is an informal arrangement which aims to allow exporting countries to minimize the risk of assisting chemical and biological weapons proliferation, whereas the Wassenaar Arrangement is a formal group under the OECD holding identical objectives.
2. The Australia Group comprises predominantly Asian, African and Page 9 North American countries, whereas the member countries of Wassenaar Arrangement are predominantly from the European Union and American continents.
Which of the statements given above is/ correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Q. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not? (2020)
(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium
(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately owned
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018)
Payments Regulatory Board (PRB)
01-10-2025
Source: IE
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established a six-member Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) to enhance oversight and governance of the country’s payment systems.
- Composition of PRB: It is chaired by the RBI Governor and comprises two additional RBI representatives along with three Central Government nominees.
- RBI Members include Deputy Governor and Executive Director in charge of Payment and Settlement Systems.
- RBI’s principal legal adviser is a permanent invitee to PRB meetings.
- Predecessor Body: PRB replaces the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS), a committee of the RBI’s Central Board.
- Legal Authority: PRB derives powers from the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The RBI’s Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS) reports directly to the PRB.
- Decision-Making: Decisions are by majority vote of members present. In case of a tie, the chairperson or deputy governor has a second or casting vote.
Regulation of Payment Systems in India
- The Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) empowers the RBI to regulate payment systems in India.
NHAI Sustainability Report 2023-24
01-08-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) released its second Sustainability Report for FY 2023–24, detailing significant achievements in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations.
What are the Major Environmental Sustainability Initiatives Undertaken by NHAI?
- Decoupling Growth from Emissions: Despite a 20% increase in National Highway construction, NHAI successfully reduced its GHG emission intensity from 1.0 to 0.8 MTCO₂e/km, demonstrating a clear decoupling of construction growth from environmental harm.
- Promoting Circular Economy: In FY 2023–24, NHAI utilized over 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and reused materials, including fly ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt, significantly reducing construction waste and enhancing resource efficiency.
- Water Body Rejuvenation: Under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, NHAI has developed 467 water bodies across the country.
- These efforts have also resulted in the recovery of 2.4 crore cubic meters of soil, leading to estimated cost savings of ₹16,690 crore in construction material.
- Reduced Water Use Intensity: The report notes a 74% reduction in water use intensity in water-stressed regions, reflecting NHAI’s commitment to water conservation in infrastructure development.
How Infrastructure Development can be Synergised with Environmental Sustainability?
- Adopt Green Infrastructure Principles: Design infrastructure that works with nature — e.g., permeable pavements, green roofs, bio-swales, urban forests.
- Integrate EIA at Planning Stage: Make Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) not just a formality but a decision-making tool.
- Use Strategic Environmental Assessments (that includes social assessment) for multi-project or regional scale planning.
- Use Sustainable Materials & Promote Circular Economy: Use recycled, low-carbon, and locally sourced materials in construction.
- Encourage reuse of waste- fly ash, plastic, construction & demolition (C&D) waste.
- Green Cover and Compensatory Afforestation: Integrate tree plantation, green belts, and ecological buffers into highways, rail, and urban plans.
- Follow the “Tree First, Road Next” approach in sensitive zones.
- Water Conservation and Management: Design stormwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and water-efficient systems in urban and transport projects. Rejuvenate local water bodies.
- Wildlife and Biodiversity Considerations: Build eco-bridges, underpasses, and animal corridors in linear infrastructure (roads, rails).
- Low-Carbon Transport Infrastructure: Promote mass rapid transit systems, NMT (non-motorized transport), and EV-ready highways.
- Develop more dedicated freight corridors that reduce emissions and congestion.
- Policy Alignment and ESG Compliance: Align infrastructure projects with Mission LiFE, National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Encourage Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting by public sector agencies.
National Highways Authority of India
- NHAI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways in India.
- It was established under the NHAI Act, 1988 and became operational in February 1995.
- The authority is headed by a Chairman and includes up to five full-time and four part-time members, appointed by the Central Government.
Conclusion
NHAI’s Sustainability Report reflects a strategic shift from "build fast" to "build green", integrating climate consciousness with infrastructure expansion. India must walk the path of 'concrete with conscience', where every highway, bridge, or port is not just an economic asset but also an ecological responsibility.
Related Keywords for Mains:
- Infrastructure & Sustainability:
- “Highways to Carbon Sinks” – Turning transport corridors into ecological assets.
- “Bricks, Bytes, and Biodiversity” – Merging construction, digital tools, and ecology.
- “Measure Emissions, Manage Growth” – Emission intensity as a planning tool.
- ESG & Circular Economy:
- “Recycle, Reuse, Rebuild” – Core pillars of sustainable construction.
- “Waste is Wealth in Motion” – Turning construction waste into assets.
- “Carbon Cost Matters as Much as Capital Cost” – ESG as a budgeting lens.
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Drishti Mains Question:
"Infrastructure development is often seen as a trade-off with environmental sustainability. In the Indian context, how can sustainable infrastructure be achieved without compromising the needs of economic growth and ecological preservation?"
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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (2021)
Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025
01-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
- These rules legally codify the procedure for identifying, assessing, and remediating chemically contaminated sites.
What are the Key Provisions of the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025?
- Definition of Contaminated Sites: Contaminated sites refer to locations with historical hazardous waste dumping, leading to soil, groundwater, and surface water contamination.
- Examples include old landfills, spill sites, and chemical waste dumps.
- Identification and Reporting Mechanism:
- District Administration must submit half-yearly reports on suspected contaminated sites to the State Pollution Control Board or designated authority.
- State Pollution Control Boards or designated expert bodies must conduct a preliminary assessment of suspected sites within 90 days, followed by a detailed investigation in the next 90 days.
- If the site contains any of the 189 hazardous chemicals listed under the 2016 Hazardous Waste Rules above safe limits, it is officially declared contaminated.
- Names and details of such sites are to be publicised; access restrictions imposed.
- Remediation Planning: A reference organisation (expert body) will draft a remediation plan specific to the site.
- Liability and Cost Recovery: Polluters identified as responsible (Polluters pay principle) will bear the cost of clean-up.
- If polluters are untraceable or unable to pay, cost-sharing between Centre and States is mandated.
- Criminal Liability: Any loss of life or environmental damage caused by contamination will attract penalties under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- Exclusions: These rules exclude contamination from radioactive waste, mining operations, marine oil pollution, and solid waste dumps. As each of these is already covered under separate, specific laws.
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- The EPA, 1986 was passed by the Parliament in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive law to protect the environment and public health.
- EPA enacted under Article 253 of the Constitution (empowers the Parliament to enact laws for implementing international agreements) to fulfill international commitments made at the 1972 Stockholm Conference.
- The Act empowers the Central Government to prevent, control, and respond to environmental pollution. It allows the Centre to set standards, regulate emissions, shut down polluting industries, and control essential services.
- Article 48A directs the State to protect the environment, forests, and wildlife, while Article 51A makes it the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment.
UPSC Civil Services Exam, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to:
- State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought.
- Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
India's Air Pollution Crisis
01-07-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
A recent study revealed that secondary pollutants, particularly ammonium sulphate (sulphur dioxide (SO₂) + ammonia (NH₃)), contribute to nearly one-third of India’s PM2.5 pollution highlighting the urgent need for air pollution controls.
What are Key Facts Regarding Air Pollution?
- About: Air pollution is caused by chemical, physical, or biological substances including noise that disturb the air’s natural composition, mainly from combustion, vehicles, industries, and fires.
- Key pollutants like PM, CO, O₃, NO₂, and SO₂ are associated with serious respiratory diseases and higher mortality rates.
- Types of Pollutants: They are divided into two types based on how they exist in the environment after being released.
- Primary Pollutants: They remain in the same form as they were released into the environment, such as DDT, plastic, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and oxides of nitrogen and sulphur.
- Secondary Pollutants: They are produced through reactions between primary pollutants. For instance, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) is formed by the interaction of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.
- Particulate Pollutants: Particulate pollutants (also called particulate matter or PM) are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air that can be harmful to human health and the environment.
- PM10: Particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. E.g., dust, pollen, mold etc.
- PM2.5: Particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. E.g., Vehicle emissions, industrial processes, power plants etc.
- Measures Taken to Control Air Pollution:
What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?
- About: Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is a process that removes sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gas emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels like coal and oil.
- It is mainly used in coal-fired power plants, using reagents such as limestone (CaCO₃), lime (CaO), and ammonia (NH₃).
- Purpose: Coal contains sulphur, and its combustion releases SO₂, causing acid rain. FGD cleans exhaust gases, preventing acid rain and protecting crops, infrastructure, soil, and aquatic ecosystems.
- Types: FGD systems are mainly of three main types:
- Dry Sorbent Injection: It involves using limestone to remove SO₂ before it reaches dust control systems and is known for its simplicity and dry operation.
- Wet Limestone System: It is ideal for large-scale applications, offering high SO₂ removal efficiency and producing useful gypsum as a byproduct.
- Seawater-Based System: It uses alkaline seawater to cut SO₂ emissions by 70–95%, suitable where emission standards are relaxed and initial costs are low.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? (2020)
- Automobile exhaust
- Tobacco smoke
- Wood burning
- Using varnished wooden furniture
- Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (a)
Q. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation techniques? (2017)
- It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
- Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
- Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
10 Years of Digital India
01-07-2025
For Prelims: Digital India, Financial Inclusion, Digital Infrastructure, Optical Fibre, UPI, Aadhaar, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), Government e-Marketplace (GeM), IndiaAI Mission (2024–29), India Semiconductor Mission, Karmayogi Bharat, iGOT, DigiLocker, UMANG App, BHASHINI, Common Service Centres, BharatNet, Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, Cyber Surakshit Bharat, Skill India, PMGDISHA.
For Mains: Performance of Digital India, Key Issues Associated with Digital India and further measures needed to strengthen Digital India.
Source: PIB
Why in News?
On 1st July 2025, India celebrated 10 years of Digital India, a flagship initiative launched in 2015 to bridge the digital divide and empower citizens through technology.
- Over the past decade (2015-25), Digital India has revolutionized internet access, governance, financial inclusion, and digital infrastructure, positioning India as the world’s third-largest digital economy.
What are Achievements of Digital India Since its Launch?
- Digital Infrastructure:
- Telecom & Internet Growth: Between 2014 and 2025, telephone connections rose from 93.3 crore to 120 crore (with tele-density increasing from 75.23% to 84.49%), while internet users grew by 285% and broadband connections surged by 1,452%.
- 5G Revolution: In just 22 months, 4.74 lakh 5G towers were installed, covering 99.6% of districts, while data costs fell sharply from Rs 308/GB (2014) to Rs 9.34/GB (2022).
- BharatNet for Rural India: 2.18 lakh Gram Panchayats have been connected through 6.92 lakh km of optical fibre, and 4G connectivity now reaches 6,15,836 villages across India.
- Digital Finance:
- Unified Payments Interface (UPI): As of April 2025, UPI facilitated 1,867.7 crore transactions worth Rs 24.77 lakh crore, accounting for 49% of global real-time transactions (2023); it is now operational in 7+ countries.
- Aadhaar & Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): By April 2025, 142 crore Aadhaar IDs had been generated, enabling Rs 44 lakh crore to be transferred via DBT, which removed 5.87 crore fake ration cards and 4.23 crore duplicate LPG connections.
- ONDC & GeM: By 2025, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) had onboarded lakhs of sellers, while the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has over 22.5 lakh sellers and 1.6 lakh government buyers.
- AI and Semiconductors: The IndiaAI Mission (2024–29) has deployed over 34,000 GPUs by May 2025 to boost AI innovation, compute capacity, startups, and ethical AI frameworks, anchored by pillars like IndiaAI Innovation Centre, AIKosh, FutureSkills, and Safe & Trusted AI.
- The India Semiconductor Mission supports chip and display manufacturing with 50% capital assistance; 6 projects worth Rs 1.55 lakh crore have been approved (5 under construction).
- Citizen Empowerment: Karmayogi Bharat and iGOT have on boarded 1.21 crore officials, issuing 3.24 crore learning certificates, while platforms like DigiLocker (with 53.92 crore users) and the UMANG App (offering 2,300+ services in 23 languages with 8.34 crore users) have enhanced digital access and governance.
- BHASHINI is breaking language barriers in digital platforms by supporting 35+ Indian languages, offering 1,600 AI models, and integrating with services like IRCTC and NPCI, promoting linguistic inclusivity in digital services.
What is the Digital India Initiative?
- About: Digital India initiative was launched on 1st July 2015, to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy by strengthening digital infrastructure, ensuring digital delivery of services, and promoting financial inclusion.
- Objective:
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Digital India aims to reduce the gap between digitally empowered citizens and those with limited access to technology.
- Ensuring Inclusive Digital Access: It promotes equal participation in the digital ecosystem, enabling access to education, healthcare, and government services for all.
- Driving Economic Growth: By leveraging technology and innovation, the initiative supports nationwide economic development.
- Improving Quality of Life: It seeks to raise living standards by integrating technology into key areas of daily life.
- Nine Pillars of Digital India Initiative:
- Broadband Highways: It aims to expand high-speed internet nationwide for better connectivity.
- Universal Mobile Access: It ensures mobile coverage in remote areas to boost digital inclusion.
- Public Internet Access: It sets up Common Service Centres in underserved regions to improve affordable access and digital literacy.
- E-Governance: It streamlines government services for better efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement.
- E-Kranti: It delivers government services online via platforms like MyGov.in enhancing accessibility.
- Information for All: It promotes digitisation of records and open data for innovation.
- Electronics Manufacturing: It boosts local production, reducing imports and creating jobs.
- IT for Jobs: It builds youth IT skills through missions like Digital Literacy and Skill India.
- Early Harvest Programs: It addresses urgent digital needs like online certificates, digital attendance, and public Wi-Fi.
- Digital India Initiatives: Aadhaar (unique 12-digit biometric IDs), BharatNet (high-speed broadband to rural areas), Digital Locker (secure cloud storage of documents), BHIM UPI (secure digital payments), eSign (online document signing using digital signatures), MyGov (citizen participation in governance) etc.
- Key Milestones:
What are the Key Issues Associated with the Digital India Initiative?
- Digital Divide: India’s digital growth remains uneven, with rural internet penetration and digital literacy at only 37% (2023), highlighting stark gaps across regions and socio-economic groups.
- Cybersecurity Threats: Rising digital use has led to 13.91 lakh cyber security incidents (2022), but India faces a 8 lakh cyber security professional shortage, exposing weak cyber defenses.
- Data Privacy: Despite the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, concerns persist over enforcement and data misuse, with 61% of companies reportedly breaching consent norms.
- Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Low broadband speeds, patchy 5G, and poor fiber-optic coverage, especially in remote areas, limit digital access; India ranks 25th in mobile internet speed (2024).
- Regulatory Challenges: Frequent policy shifts, overlapping jurisdictions, and delays in spectrum auctions hinder 5G rollout and burden businesses with data localization costs.
- Public Digital System Issues: Platforms like CoWIN and Aadhaar face scalability, accuracy, and fraud challenges, especially in non-urban areas.
- Environmental Impact: Digital growth has increased e-waste from 1.01 MT (2019–20) to 1.751 MT (2023–24), worsened by weak e-waste management and high energy use in data centers.
What Measures can be Adopted to Further Strengthen the Digital India Initiative?
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Expand digital infrastructure in rural areas through BharatNet and PM-WANI, subsidize devices, and promote regional language content to boost access.
- Mandate assistive tech, support affordable internet, and integrate Accessible India with Digital India for marginalized groups.
- Enhancing Cybersecurity: Develop a comprehensive strategy, expand Cyber Surakshit Bharat, train professionals under Skill India, and support indigenous cybersecurity R&D via PLI schemes.
- Strengthening Data Privacy: Effectively enforce the DPDP Act, 2023, establish regional data protection offices, and clarify data localization guidelines.
- Promoting Digital Literacy: Extend PMGDISHA to cover cyber awareness and skills training, using community champions for outreach.
- E-Waste Management: Create a national framework linking Swachh Bharat to e-waste collection, support green startups, and extend PLI to eco-friendly tech.
- Integrating Digital Public Goods: Link platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker to improve service delivery and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Conclusion
In its 10-year journey, Digital India has revolutionised service delivery, economic empowerment, and citizen participation. However, challenges like the digital divide, cybersecurity, and data privacy persist. With strategic reforms, inclusive infrastructure, and robust regulation, Digital India can become the cornerstone of Viksit Bharat, enabling equitable and sustainable digital growth.
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Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Digital India has bridged technological gaps but faces persistent challenges. Critically analyze this statement with reference to India’s digital transformation (2015–2025).
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UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following: (2022)
- Aarogya Setu
- CoWIN
- DigiLocker
- DIKSHA
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (d)
Q. Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India? (2018)
- Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
- Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
- Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q. Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
- It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
- It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (2020)
Q. How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What steps has the Government taken in this regard? (2015).